Thyme, Common thyme, English thyme, French thyme
Thymus vulgaris

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A low shrub. It grows to 20 cm tall and spreads to 30 cm across. It forms a bushy cushion. It keeps growing from year to year. It is an evergreen with woody grey roots. The branches are square in cross section and hairy. The leaves are very small and greenish grey. They do not have leaf stalks and are produced opposite one another. The leaves are 0.6-1.5 cm long. The edges of the leaves curl backwards and the underside of the leaves is very hairy. The flowers are pale mauve or purple. They form tubes with two lips. The flowers occur in rings towards the end of the branches. The plant has a sweet smell.

There are between 300 and 400 Thymus species.

Where it is found

A Mediterranean plant. It does best in dry arid places. Plants are occasional in the highlands in the tropics. They grow up to 2600 m altitude. It will grow on most soils and in most locations. It is resistant to drought and frost. They need sun. It suits plant hardiness zones 7-10. In Hobart Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Andes, Andorra, Asia, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, China (country/location of origin), Colombia, Cook Islands, Congo DR, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Mediterranean, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, SE Asia, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves and flowers are used as a seasoning to flavour foods. They are used fresh or dried. They are used to flavour stuffings, fish, meat, cheese, vinegar and gravy. They are added to the brine in which olives are pickled. It is used in soup that contains eggs and bread soaked in olive oil. The fresh or dried leaves can be used for tea. Young shoots are used as a garnish.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, herb, spice, flowers, leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or by cuttings or by dividing up an established plant. Cutting tips off plants often will encourage a bushy growth.

The leaves are used as a seasoning and dried and stored. They are dried in the shade with warmth and low humidity.

Its other names

Local names

Farigola, Samon-phyu, Timo, Tomillo, Thym

Synonyms

Origanum thymus Kuntze; Thymus collinus Salisb.;