Oreganillo (Aloysia wrightii)

Oreganillo. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Wright's Bee Brush, High Mass, Mexican Oregano, Desert Oregano, Spicebush
• Common Spanish Names: Oreganillo, Vara Dulce, Alta Misa
• Scientific Name: Aloysia wrightii (ah-LOY-zee-uh RIGHT-ee-aye) Previously known as Lippia wrightii.
• Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)
• Geographic Range: Western Texas to California, Utah, Nevada, and northern Mexico to Durango and Zacatecas.
• Plant Form: Deciduous shrub 5' x 5'.
• Remarks: Produces narrow spikes of small fragrant white flowers from spring to fall; small deciduous ovate leaves are aromatic and widely used herbally; drought tolerant with periodic deep watering, full sun, very hardy; nectar source for bees.

Last Update:3 Jul 2002