Sweet Marjoram

Origanum majorana

Family: LamiaceaeOrigin: Cyprus and Turkey, naturalized across the Mediterranean

Tender Perennial Herb
Culinary Staple

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Toxic to pets

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

leaves, flowers

Hazardous parts

No hazardous parts found.

Preparation

none; used fresh or dried in cooking

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

not applicable: no credible human-hazard finding in the source checked

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA: toxic principle is gastrointestinal irritants. Clinical signs: vomiting and diarrhea. Not listed for horses on the ASPCA page. NC State Extension's own plant database independently confirms this species as toxic to cats and dogs.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 9a - 10b as a perennial (NC State Extension); grown as an annual farther north since it won't reliably survive winter outside zone 9
Water needs: low
Mature size: Space plants 12 in to 3 ft apart.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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