A perennial species, from Sicily. Stem a foot or more in height, branching; leaves oval, comparatively smooth; the flowers are small, of a purplish color, and produced in spikes.
Propagation and Cultivation.—The species is propagated, and the crop in all respects should be treated, as directed for Common Marjoram. The properties and uses of the plant are also the same. Both, however, are much inferior to the Sweet Marjoram last described.
Winter Sweet Marjoram. Corb.
Origanum heracleoticum.
A half-hardy perennial, from the south of Europe. Stem eighteen inches high, purplish; the leaves are opposite, oval, rounded at the ends, and resemble those of Sweet Marjoram; the flowers are white, and are put forth in July and August, in spikelets about two inches in length; the seeds ripen in September.
Propagation and Culture.—It may be grown from seeds, but is generally propagated by dividing the roots either in the spring or fall, and planting the divisions ten inches apart, in rows eighteen inches asunder. It succeeds best in dry localities, and requires no other attention than to have the soil kept loose, and free from weeds.
There is a variety with variegated leaves, but differing in no other respect from the foregoing.
Use.—The leaves and young branches are used in soups, and stuffing for meats; and should be cut when just coming into flower, and dried in the shade.