View source for Marjoram

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Marjoram
| status = secure
| image = Origanum majorana.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Origanum]]''
| species = '''''O. majorana'''''
| binomial = ''Origanum majorana''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''Marjoram''' (''[[Origanum]] majorana'', [[Lamiaceae]]) is a somewhat cold-sensitive [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]] or undershrub with sweet [[pine]] and [[citrus]] flavours. It is also called '''Sweet Marjoram''' or '''Knotted Marjoram''' and ''Majorana hortensis''.

The name marjoram ([[Old French]] majorane, [[Medieval Latin]] majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word ''maior'' (major).<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=marjoram Marjoram], Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, November 2001</ref>

Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for [[culinary]] purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as [[Herbes de Provence]] and [[Za'atar]].

Although considered cold-sensitive, marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in [[hardiness zone|zone 5]].