Breckland Thyme

(Thymus serpyllum)

Breckland Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as Breckland Thyme or Wild Thyme, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including dry grasslands, rocky outcrops, and open woodlands across Europe and parts of Russia. It forms a low, usually prostrate subshrub reaching 2 cm (1 in) in height, with creeping stems that can extend up to 10 cm (4 in) long. The small oval evergreen leaves are 3–8 mm long, and the plant is well-known for its aromatic foliage, which can vary in scent from heavily herbal to lightly lemony, depending on the cultivar. Breckland Thyme blooms with clusters of lilac, pink-purple, magenta, or occasionally white flowers, each 4–6 mm long, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators during their flowering season in summer.

This hardy plant is valued for its ability to withstand some pedestrian traffic and its versatility in the garden. It is commonly used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and along borders or pathways, where its fragrant foliage and vibrant flowers can be appreciated up close. Breckland Thyme is also employed in xeriscaping, replacing traditional lawns in areas with low to moderate foot traffic due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires well-drained soil with low to medium water needs. While generally disease-resistant, it can suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

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., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Dry grasslands, rocky outcrops, and open woodlands across Europe and parts of Russia

Other Names

Common Names: Breckland Wild Thyme, Creeping Thyme, Elfin Thyme, Mother Of Thyme, Smalbladet Timian, Sand-Thymian, Kangasajuruoho, Serpolet À Feuilles Étroites, Småtimian, Kleine Tijm

Scientific Names: , Thymus serpyllum, Thymus angustifolius var. ericoides, Thymus angustifolius var. pycnotrichus, Thymus serpyllum var. angustifolius, Origanum serpyllum, Serpyllum vulgare, Thymus angustifolius var. empetroides, Thymus angustifolius var. linearifolius, Thymus angustifolius var. rigidus

GBIF Accepted Name: Thymus serpyllum L.