Moonlight Thyme Thymus leucotrichus

Moonlight Thyme is a low-growing evergreen shrub.  The plant grows 6-8 inches high and 6-12 inches wide. It is used as an ornamental groundcover and as an herb for culinary purposes. The leaves are fragrant and have a sharp spicy taste. It is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family. It is also known as Juniper Thyme.

This herbaceous perennial is a native of Bulgaria, Greece, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. It is found on mountain steps and rocky slopes up to 10,000 feet.

The origin of the word "thyme" is from the Greek word thumos, which means courage. In the past, thyme was thought to be an emblem of bravery. The word "thyme" may also be derived from the Greek word thymos, meaning "perfume." The plants of this genus are typically fragrant. The species name, leucotrichus, is Latin. When translated, leuco means "white" and trich means "hair." This refers to the foliage, which is grayish-green and hairy.

Moonlight Thyme performs best in full sun and well-drained soils. It does well in sandy or rocky soils. It is easy to care for and drought tolerant. The shrub may require light pruning in the spring.

The plant multiplies and naturalizes. It is reported that it is not easy to divide for propagation.

The leaves are tiny, linear and lanceolate in shape, and densely hairy. The flowers are tiny purple to pinkish-lilac and bloom from early to mid-summer.

Moonlight Thyme attracts bees and butterflies. It is deer and rabbit resistant. This low-growing shrub may be used as a container plant or as a groundcover. It would add interest to a rock garden, pollinator garden, or garden border.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves grayish-green and hairy
• Has a sharp and spicy flavor
• Tiny tubular purple to pinkish-lilac flower
• Low growing groundcover

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

Plants of this genus typically do not have any significant insect or disease problems.