Thyme-Leaf Sandwort
Arenaria serpyllifolia
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Arenaria serpyllifolia is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Bare ground, arable fields, walls, bare soil on chalk downs, cliffs etc.
Most of Europe, including Britain, temperate Asia and N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used as a pot-herb.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is antitussive, depurative, diuretic and febrifuge. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of dysentery. It is also used in the treatment of bladder complaints, calculus troubles and acute and chronic cystitis.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
This species is apparently disliked by rabbits since it is often abundant round their burrows.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist