Creeping Thyme
ExplorePlants
Creeping Thyme
Thymus praecox subsp. arcticus (Durand) Jalas
Creeping thyme is a low-growing herb with tiny, aromatic leaves that release a pleasant scent when stepped on. It is often used as ground cover in gardens and attracts bees with its small pink flowers.
Habitat: Gardens, Rocky areas
Appearance
The Creeping Thyme is a low-growing plant forming dense, evergreen mats of tiny, oval green leaves. In late spring, it bursts into a carpet of small, delicate pink to purplish flowers that stand out against its foliage, creating a soft, colorful groundcover.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusThymus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming, and Greeks burned it for courage!
Its tiny leaves stay green all year long, providing beautiful color even through winter!
Just a gentle touch releases a wonderful, spicy scent from its leaves for you to enjoy!
This tough plant can grow right between paving stones, where others often struggle!
Special abilities
Ability
Ground Hugger
Creeping Thyme has a spreading growth habit that allows it to form a dense mat, helping it to suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
Ability
Drought Buster
Creeping Thyme can thrive in dry conditions because its small leaves and waxy coating help it conserve precious water, ensuring survival.
Ability
Scented Shield
Creeping Thyme has special oils that release a fragrant aroma when its leaves are crushed, helping to deter some foraging pests.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-10 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.6 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Visits flowers for sweet nectar.
symbiotic with
Humans
Homo sapiens
Cultivated for beauty, scent, and culinary use.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Groundcover
Groundcover plants are low-growing vegetation that spreads horizontally to cover the ground, often suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Also known as
Mother of Thyme
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy looking at creeping thyme, but avoid picking or eating plants from the garden without an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Creeping Thyme?
2-10 cm
How wide does Creeping Thyme spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on Creeping Thyme?
0.3-0.6 cm
When does Creeping Thyme bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Creeping Thyme edible?
Yes
Is Creeping Thyme toxic?
None
What is Creeping Thyme's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Creeping Thyme pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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