Cat Thyme
Teucrium marum
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Teucrium marum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry hills and bushy places.
Europe - W. Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The whole herb is aromatic, deobstruent, diuretic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The plant is supposed to possess very active powers and has been recommended in the treatment of many diseases, being considered useful in most nervous complaints. It is used in the treatment of gallbladder and stomach problems. The root bark is considerably astringent and has been used for checking haemorrhages. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole herb. It is said to be effectual against small thread-worms in children.
Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately good soil, preferring a dry soil and a sunny position. Does well in dry places in the rock garden. Plants are not fully hardy in Britain, they can be killed in severe winters especially if the weather is wet. The bruised leaves release a pungent aroma. Cats are strongly attracted to this plant and may tear it to pieces. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for the winter and plant them out in the following spring. Division in early spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist