Plant Profile

Origanum syriacum (Syrian oregano, bible hyssop, Zaatar)

A native of the Mediterranean, zatar is indispensable in Lebanese cuisine and is used medicinally. Some bible scholars believe zatar to be the 'hyssop' mentioned in the bible. Used as a small shrub can be planted directly into the garden or in a contaner.

Landscape Information
Botanical Description
Horticulture Management

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By Gilabrand (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Arabic Name: زَعْتَر

Pronunciation: uh-RIG-uh-num seer-ee-AY-kum
Plant type: Shrub
Origin: Mediterranean
Heat Zones: 2 to 10

Hardiness Zones: 6 to 11
Uses: Container, Edible, Medicinal, Wildlife, Native to Lebanon, Ground cover
Size/Shape

Growth Rate: Moderate

Tree Shape: Round, oval, Upright

Canopy Symmetry: Irregular

Canopy Density: Medium

Canopy Texture: Coarse

Height at Maturity: 1 to 1.5 m

Spread at Maturity: 1 to 1.5 meters

Time to Ultimate Height: 1 to 2 Years

By Gilabrand (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Malte (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
מרכז להב"ה מגאר Pikiwiki Israel [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Nadaja (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Gilabrand (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Foliage

Leaf Arrangement : Whorled

Leaf Venation: Pinnate

Leaf Persistance: Evergreen

Leaf Type: Simple

Leaf Blade: Less than 5

Leaf Shape: Ovate

Leaf Texture: Smooth, Hairy

Leaf Scent: Pleasant (Spicy)

Color(growing season): Green

Color(changing season): Green
Flower

Flower Showiness: Yes

Flower Size Range: 1.5 - 3

Flower Type: Cyme

Flower Sexuality: Diecious (Monosexual)

Flower Scent: Pleasant (Spicy)

Flower Color: Purple, White, Pink

Seasons: Summer
Trunk

Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Suspected to breakage

Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked

Trunk esthetic Values: Not Showy
Fruit

Fruit Type: Schizocarp

Fruit Showiness: No

Fruit Size Range: 0 - 1.5

Fruit Color: Brown

Seasons: Summer

By Gilabrand (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Malte (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
מרכז להב"ה מגאר Pikiwiki Israel [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Nadaja (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Gilabrand (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Tolerance

Frost Tolerant: Yes

Heat Tolerance: Yes

Drought Tolerance: Yes

Salt Tolerance: Poor
Requirements

Soil Requirements: Clay

Soil Ph Requirements: Neutral, Alkaline

Water Requirements: Moderate, Low

Light Requirements: Full
Management

Toxicity: No

Invasive Potential: Yes

Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Yes

Pruning Requirements: No pruning at all

Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: No

Surface Rooting: No

Life Span: Less than 25

Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Root rot

Edible Parts: Leaf

Plant Propagation: Seed