What's eating my smooth oregano?

Smooth oregano (Origanum laevigatum) is a drought-tolerant ornamental and culinary herb with good natural pest resistance. Aphids target soft spring growth. Spider mites can build up in dry exposed sites. Leafhoppers cause pale stippled speckling on leaves. Because it is grown in well-drained sunny spots, slug pressure is usually minimal compared to richer-grown herbs.

Clusters of soft insects on shoot tips in spring and early summer; curled leaves and sticky honeydew residue Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; dislodge with water; encourage natural predators; rarely a serious problem on established plants

Fine pale stippling and bronzing of leaf surfaces with webbing on undersides, most common during summer droughts Water during dry spells; apply neem oil spray targeting undersides; improve air circulation; remove worst-affected stems

Coarse pale speckling on upper leaf surface caused by sap-feeding; tiny adults jump when foliage is disturbed Spray insecticidal soap on leaf undersides; yellow sticky traps help track pressure; remove weeds that act as alternative hosts