Thyme
ExplorePlants
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is a small herb with tiny leaves and a strong scent. It grows close to the ground and is often used in cooking.
Habitat: Gardens and fields
Appearance
The Thyme is a low-growing subshrub with tiny, oval, often grayish-green leaves that feel slightly leathery. It produces clusters of small, delicate, tubular flowers in shades of lavender, pink, or white, creating a soft, mat-like appearance visually distinct from taller herbs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusThymus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians used thyme to help preserve their pharaohs' mummies.
Honey made from thyme flowers is super fragrant and highly prized by chefs.
Romans believed that thyme could fill them with courage and strength.
Thyme plants can live for many years, with some varieties lasting decades!
Special abilities
Ability
Aromatic Shield
Thyme has special glands that produce potent essential oils, like thymol, which help protect it from pests and diseases.
Ability
Drought Defender
Thyme can survive in dry, rocky soils because its small, leathery leaves reduce water loss and its roots go deep.
Ability
Ground Hugger
Thyme grows close to the ground, which helps it stay warm in cold weather and avoid being damaged by strong winds.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-30 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Vital for spreading Thyme's pollen.
pollinates
Common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Key pollinator, especially in North America.
eaten by
Garden snail
Helix aspersa
Can browse young Thyme shoots.
eaten by
Domestic sheep
Ovis aries
Grazing animals may nibble on Thyme.
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.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Also known as
Common ThymeGarden Thyme
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Thyme?
15-30 cm
How wide does Thyme spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Thyme?
0.3-0.8 cm
When does Thyme bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Thyme edible?
Yes
Is Thyme toxic?
None
What is Thyme's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Thyme pollinated?
Insect
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