Broad-Leaved Thyme

(Thymus pulegioides)

Broad-Leaved Thyme (Thymus pulegioides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Thymus pulegioides, commonly known as Broad-Leaved Thyme, is an evergreen subshrub native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and forest edges across Europe and Asia. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.7-1 feet, forming a dense, mat-like ground cover. The plant is characterized by its aromatic foliage and produces clusters of pink to purple flowers in the summer, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Broad-Leaved Thyme is valued for its ornamental and culinary uses. It is particularly noted for its fragrant leaves, which can be used in cooking similarly to common thyme. The plant’s low-growing habit and tolerance for light foot traffic make it an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, and as an edging plant. It thrives in well-drained alkaline or neutral soils and requires full sun for optimal growth. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. ’Aureus’ and ’Bertram Anderson’ are popular cultivars, both having received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, with ’Aureus’ featuring lemon-scented golden foliage. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and susceptibility to thrips and spider mites.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
  • Height: 0.7-1 feet
  • Width: 0.7-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and forest edges across Europe and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Lemon Thyme, Large Thyme, Wild Thyme, Large-Garden, Creeping Thyme, Large Garden, Teim Gwyllt Mawr, Bredbladet Timian, Arznei-Thymian, Arzneithymian

Scientific Names: , Thymus pulegioides, Thymus quartziticus, Thymus serpyllum var. adscendens, Thymus varians, Thymus chamaedrys var. pulegioides, Thymus porcii f. pilistensis, Thymus pseudoserpyllum, Thymus serpyllum f. adscendens, Thymus serpyllum subsp. affinis

GBIF Accepted Name: Thymus pulegioides L.