Thymus vulgaris

Common thyme is a dwarf, woody, evergreen perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Common thyme originated in southern Europe and northern Africa. It prefers the dry, rocky soils of the Mediterranean. Thyme has been used for centuries as a culinary herb or herbal medicine. The origin of the word, "thyme," is from the Greek word, thumos, which means "courage." During Medieval times, thyme was thought to have been an emblem of bravery. The word thyme may also be derived from the Greek word, thymos, meaning "perfume." It is very fragrant and aromatic. The species name, vulgaris, is Latin and means "common" or "widespread." 

Grown primarily as an aromatic culinary herb it forms a mound about 6 to 12 inches in height and 6 to 16 inches wide. There are many cultivars in this species.This plant is low-growing and performs best in dry, sandy, or rocky soils. It prefers full sun and requires good drainage. The plant is frost and drought-tolerant.

Common thyme is a low-maintenance plant, but it should be trimmed whenever it gets leggy. Cut it back in early spring and summer to reduce its woody growth. Transplanting is best done in the early spring. Harvest thyme just before it flowers when the essential oil content in the leaves are at their peak. It is recommended to cut five to six inches off the top growth and leave the woody stems. For the plant to thrive, always leave five inches of growth. The most common method of propagation is by stem cuttings. Due to uneven germination, it is difficult to propagate thyme from seeds.

The flowers are small, tubular, white to pinkish-lavender blooms. They appear in late spring to early summer. The whorled evergreen leaves are tiny grayish-green in color and very fragrant.  This pungent aroma makes it less attractive to browsing deer.

Common thyme makes a great addition to a pollinator garden. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Use in an herb or vegetable garden or in rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Quick ID Hints:

• Linear leaves are ¼”-½” long, have fine hairs and are very fragrant
• Small purple/white pedicellate flowers that occur along a raceme
• Bushy subshrub with a woody base, growing up to 1 foot tall

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Overwatering can lead to botrytis and root rot, especially in soils with low drainage such as clay. 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.