Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) Thymbra capitata
Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) (Thymbra capitata) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Rocky hillsides around the Mediterranean, from Portugal to the Levant. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and flowering tops (seasoning, tea) |
| Native to | Rocky hillsides around the Mediterranean, from Portugal to the Levant |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇲🇦 Morocco |
Is Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano)
- How far apart should I plant Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano)?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Conehead thyme (za’atar farsi, Spanish oregano). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- Flora of Israel Online, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- A small, stiff, aromatic shrub with cone-like heads of pink flowers in summer, humming with bees; one of the main sources of Greek and Cretan thyme honey and of the oregano oils of the eastern Mediterranean.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare