Thymus serpyllum

Thymus serpyllum, also known as Breckland Thyme, Wild Thyme or Creeping Thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to most of Europe and North Africa. It is a low, usually prostrate subshrub growing to 2 cm (1 in) tall with creeping stems up to 10 cm (4 in) long. Thymus serpyllum is commonly used in cooking and herbal medicine, and it is also a popular ornamental plant for garden use, providing ground cover.

Description

Thymus serpyllum has small, elliptical, green leaves and bears small, purplish pink flowers in late spring and summer. The leaves are in opposite pairs, each leaf pair spaced 1 cm apart along the stem. The flowers are produced on spikes 2–3 cm long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long; each flower is 3–4 mm long, pink to purple, with the typical four lobes ('lips') of the mint family.

Distribution and habitat

Thymus serpyllum is native to the major part of Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. It grows in dry, sandy or rocky soils and on rocky outcrops. It can be found in open fields, rocky places, and along roadsides.

Uses

Culinary

Thymus serpyllum is used as a culinary herb and in the production of herbal tea. It has a stronger flavor and is more aromatic than common thyme. It is used in the cuisine of many different cultures.

Medicinal

Thymus serpyllum has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties. It is used in the treatment of respiratory ailments, digestive complaints, and skin conditions. The essential oil of Thymus serpyllum contains a variety of active compounds, including thymol, a potent natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent.

Ornamental

Thymus serpyllum is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a low, ground-covering shrub in garden borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant addition to crevices in a garden wall or paving.

See also

• List of Lamiaceae genera
• Thyme
• Herbalism
• Culinary herb