Thyme-Leaf Sandwort
(Arenaria serpyllifolia)
Thyme-Leaf Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia)
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: © psweet | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: psweet | Publisher: iNaturalist |






















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Arenaria serpyllifolia, commonly known as thyme-leaf sandwort, is an annual or biennial herb native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It typically forms low, dense mats up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and spreads out to 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Thyme-leaf sandwort thrives in a variety of habitats including grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands, often preferring calcareous soils.
This plant is characterized by its small, oval to lance-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom from May to July. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do add a delicate texture to garden settings. Thyme-leaf sandwort is valued for its ability to cover ground quickly, making it useful for rock gardens, between stepping stones, or as a filler in container plantings. It requires well-drained soil, moderate watering, and can grow in full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is characterized by its small, oval to lance-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom from May to July. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do add a delicate texture to garden settings. Thyme-leaf sandwort is valued for its ability to cover ground quickly, making it useful for rock gardens, between stepping stones, or as a filler in container plantings. It requires well-drained soil, moderate watering, and can grow in full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.1-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.1-0.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, thriving in grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Thyme-Leaved Sandwort
Scientific Names: , Arenaria serpyllifolia, Arenaria serpyllifolia subsp. tenuior,
GBIF Accepted Name: