Wild thyme Thymus serpyllum L.
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as creeping thyme or wild thyme has a mat-forming growth habit, creating dense, ground-covering spreads. The stems are slender and woody, often rooting at the nodes where they touch the ground, giving it a sturdy anchor and helping it spread widely. The leaves are small, oval to needle-shaped with a slightly leathery texture, exhibiting a grey-green to green color and sometimes being covered with fine hairs that give them a silken sheen. Creeping thyme blooms prolifically with tiny, tubular flowers that can be pink, purple, or white, adding a splash of color. These flowers are clustered together in small, rounded whorls that encircle the stem, contributing to a decorative display. Aromatically, the plant is quite potent and when the leaves are crushed, they release a distinct fragrance, which is earthy and somewhat minty, a characteristic that makes it popular in culinary and ornamental uses. The overall impression of creeping thyme is that of a lush carpet, often speckled with delicate flowers and exuding a pleasant smell characteristic of many herbal plants. It is favored for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to thrive in various conditions, creating a visually appealing ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Wild Thyme, Creeping Thyme, Breckland Thyme, Breckland Wild Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Elfin Thyme.
Common names
Thymus angustifolius, Thymus chamaedrys, Thymus ovatus, Thymus praecox, Thymus pulegioides var. serpyllum, Thymus serpyllum var. angustifolius, Thymus serpyllum var. chamaedrys, Thymus serpyllum var. ovatus, Thymus serpyllum var. tenuifolius, Thymus tenuifolius.
ToxicityTo humans
Thymus serpyllum L., commonly known as creeping thyme or wild thyme, is generally considered safe and non-toxic to humans. It is commonly used as a culinary herb and in traditional medicine. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting creeping thyme. As with any plant, individual allergies or adverse reactions may occur, but they are quite rare.
To pets
Thymus serpyllum L., commonly known as creeping thyme or wild thyme, is not known to be toxic to pets. It is often regarded as a pet-safe plant when used in gardens or as ground cover. If a pet were to ingest a large amount of creeping thyme, some gastrointestinal upset might occur, but it is not considered poisonous to pets such as dogs and cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
18 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Use: Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as wild thyme, is used as a culinary herb, imparting a strong, aromatic flavor to dishes.
- Aromatic: Wild thyme emits a pleasant fragrance, which can be used to freshen the air when grown indoors or in gardens.
- Ornamental: With its creeping habit and attractive flowers, wild thyme serves as an ornamental ground cover, adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of wild thyme attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations and promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Resistance: Wild thyme is known for its drought-resistant properties, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Soil Stabilization: Its dense mat-forming growth helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion on slopes and in areas with loose earth.
- Lawn Alternative: Wild thyme is sometimes used as a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn substitute in landscaping.
- Culinary Enhancer: As a herb, it can be used to make herbal teas or as a seasoning for various dishes, adding flavor without the need for salt or artificial enhancers.
- Companion Planting: It's often used in companion planting to enhance the growth of other plants and deter certain pests.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Wild thyme has been traditionally used for its antispasmodic effects to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
- Expectorant: The herb is known to have properties that promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory system, helpful in treating coughs.
- Antimicrobial: Wild thyme exhibits antimicrobial activity, which helps in fighting against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antiseptic: Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is often used for its antiseptic action to cleanse wounds and prevent infections.
- Carminative: It can help to relieve flatulence and bloating by expelling gas from the stomach and intestines.
- Diuretic: Wild thyme may promote the production and elimination of urine, which aids in reducing fluid retention.
- Antioxidant: The phenolic compounds present in the plant provide antioxidant benefits that can help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Herb: Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as wild thyme, can be used fresh or dried to flavor meats, soups, and stews.
- Aromatic Oil: Wild thyme can be distilled into an essential oil that is used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Natural Dye: The plant can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics and textiles.
- Ornamental Plant: Its low-growing, mat-forming characteristics make wild thyme a popular choice for rock gardens and as a ground cover.
- Bee Plant: Wild thyme flowers are known to attract bees and can be planted to support local bee populations.
- Furniture Polish: The essential oil of wild thyme can be used in making natural furniture polish.
- Moth Repellent: Dried wild thyme can be used in sachets to repel moths from wardrobes and drawers.
- Eco-Friendly Pesticide: Wild thyme extracts have been studied for their potential use as an environmentally friendly pesticide against certain pests.
- Crafting Potpourri: The pleasant scent of wild thyme makes it a great addition to homemade potpourri mixtures.
- Livestock Feed: In some regions, wild thyme is used as a forage plant for grazing livestock.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Creeping Thyme is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Creeping Thyme is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Courage: Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as wild thyme, has been associated with strength and courage. Historically, it is said that medieval knights would carry sprigs of thyme as a sign of bravery.
- Healing: Wild thyme has a strong historical link with health and healing. Its medicinal properties made it a symbol of therapeutic healing during ancient times.
- Peaceful Sleep and Dreams: It was believed that placing wild thyme under the pillow could aid in a peaceful sleep and bring pleasant dreams.
- Purification: Thyme has been used for purification rites and to ward off negativity in various cultures. It's thought to have cleansing and protective properties.
- Fairy Folklore: In mythology and folklore, especially in the British Isles, wild thyme is associated with fairies. It was often thought to be a favorite place for them to dwell, attracting these mystical beings.
WaterCreeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) prefers a well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water this plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Generally, provide about 1 gallon of water per square yard every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the climate and soil moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage and not to leave the plant in standing water. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water the plant more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first.
LightCreeping thyme thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to develop properly. It's best positioned in an area that receives unfiltered sunshine throughout the day. However, creeping thyme can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where it can benefit from some protection during the peak afternoon heat.
TemperatureCreeping thyme is hardy and can endure cold temperatures, typically surviving winters in USDA zones 4 through 9. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate high temperatures but requires well-draining soil to prevent heat stress and drought during the hotter months.
PruningPruning of creeping thyme is beneficial to maintain its shape, encourage denser growth, and prevent it from becoming woody. It's recommended to prune the plant right after it has flowered in the late spring or early summer. This will promote new growth and give the plant a tidy appearance. Regular light trimming is preferable to infrequent, severe pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCreeping Thyme thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of sand, potting soil, and compost is ideal, ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingCreeping Thyme doesn't need frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years before it requires a larger container.
Humidity & MistingCreeping Thyme prefers a drier environment and can tolerate low humidity levels well, making it suitable for dry indoor climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Creeping Thyme near a sunny window and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage, water occasionally.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThymus serpyllum L., commonly known as wild thyme, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the late winter to early spring depending on the climate. Upon germination, the seedling establishes itself, developing a root system and foliage in the form of small, oval leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative stage in which it grows and spreads through a rooting system, where stems contact the ground and form roots at the nodes. After the vegetative phase, wild thyme matures and flowers usually between late spring and mid-summer, producing small, tubular, pink to purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into tiny nutlets that contain seeds, completing the reproductive stage. The plant is perennial, so after seed dispersal, it overwinters, sometimes with foliage remaining green, and resumes growth the following spring, with older plants potentially having a shorter life cycle due to their established root systems.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagating Thymus serpyllum L., commonly known as creeping thyme or wild thyme, is by stem cuttings. This technique is typically done in the early summer when the stems are semi-woody and the plant is not in full bloom. To do this, gardeners take a cutting of about 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) from the tip of a healthy stem, ensuring that there are several leaf nodes present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist soilless potting mix, and placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight to encourage root growth. With proper care, the cuttings will root in a few weeks, at which point they can be transplanted to their final location.
