Latest revision as of 14:18, 21 February 2025

Thymus serpyllum[edit]

Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as wild thyme, creeping thyme, or mother of thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to most of Europe and North Africa, and is a popular herb in culinary and medicinal applications.

Description[edit]

Thymus serpyllum is a low-growing, perennial shrub that forms dense mats. The plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 5 cm, with stems that are woody at the base and covered with tiny, aromatic leaves. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, and ovate to oblong in shape, measuring 4 to 10 mm in length.

The flowers of Thymus serpyllum are small, tubular, and range in color from pink to purple. They are borne in dense clusters at the ends of the stems and bloom from early summer to early autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Thymus serpyllum is found in a variety of habitats, including dry, rocky areas, grasslands, and open woodlands. It thrives in well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. The plant is widely distributed across Europe, from the Mediterranean region to Scandinavia, and is also found in parts of North Africa and Asia.

Uses[edit]

Thymus serpyllum has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties. It is commonly used in herbal teas and as a flavoring in culinary dishes. The essential oil extracted from the plant is used in aromatherapy and as a natural preservative.

In gardening, Thymus serpyllum is valued for its low maintenance and ability to attract pollinators. It is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens.

Cultivation[edit]

Thymus serpyllum is easy to grow and requires minimal care. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9 and can tolerate light foot traffic, making it suitable for planting between stepping stones or along pathways.

Varieties[edit]

There are several varieties of Thymus serpyllum, each with unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

Thymus serpyllum var. albus - Known for its white flowers.
Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus - Features deep red flowers.
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin - A dwarf variety with dense foliage.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|A species of flowering plant in the mint family}}
+= Thymus serpyllum =
-{{Taxobox
-| name = Thymus serpyllum
-| image = Thymus serpyllum - harilik nõmm-liivatee.jpg
-| image_caption = Thymus serpyllum in bloom
-| regnum = [[Plantae]]
-| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
-| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
-| unranked_ordo = [[Asterids]]
-| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
-| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
-| genus = ''[[Thymus (plant)|Thymus]]''
-| species = '''''T. serpyllum'''''
-| binomial = ''Thymus serpyllum''
-| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
-}}
-'''''Thymus serpyllum''''', commonly known as wild thyme, creeping thyme, or mother of thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the [[mint family]] (Lamiaceae). It is native to most of Europe and North Africa and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
+[[File:Thymus_serpyllum1.jpg|thumb|right|Thymus serpyllum in bloom]]
-==Description==
+'''Thymus serpyllum''', commonly known as wild thyme, creeping thyme, or mother of thyme, is a species of [[flowering plant]] in the [[mint family]] [[Lamiaceae]]. It is native to most of [[Europe]] and [[North Africa]], and is a popular [[herb]] in [[culinary]] and [[medicinal]] applications.
-''Thymus serpyllum'' is a low-growing perennial plant that forms a dense mat of foliage. The leaves are small, oval, and aromatic, typically measuring 4–10 mm in length. The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are usually pink to purple in color, blooming from early summer to early autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to [[pollinators]] such as bees and butterflies.
-[[File:Thymus serpyllum flowers.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of ''Thymus serpyllum'' flowers]]
+== Description ==
+[[File:Thymus_serpyllum_flowering_plants.jpg|thumb|left|Flowering plants of Thymus serpyllum]]
+Thymus serpyllum is a low-growing, perennial [[shrub]] that forms dense mats. The plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 5 cm, with stems that are woody at the base and covered with tiny, aromatic leaves. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, and ovate to oblong in shape, measuring 4 to 10 mm in length.
-==Habitat and Distribution==
+The flowers of Thymus serpyllum are small, tubular, and range in color from pink to purple. They are borne in dense clusters at the ends of the stems and bloom from early summer to early autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to [[bees]] and other [[pollinators]].
-''Thymus serpyllum'' is found in a variety of habitats, including dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. It thrives in well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought conditions. The plant is distributed across Europe, from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, and extends into parts of North Africa and Asia.
-==Cultivation==
+== Habitat and Distribution ==
-''Thymus serpyllum'' is popular in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers, as well as its ability to attract pollinators. It is often used as a ground cover due to its low growth habit and tolerance of poor soil conditions. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
+[[File:Thymus_serp_1.jpg|thumb|right|Thymus serpyllum growing in its natural habitat]]
+Thymus serpyllum is found in a variety of habitats, including dry, rocky areas, grasslands, and open woodlands. It thrives in well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. The plant is widely distributed across Europe, from the Mediterranean region to Scandinavia, and is also found in parts of North Africa and Asia.
-==Uses==
+== Uses ==
-The leaves of ''Thymus serpyllum'' are aromatic and have been used in traditional medicine for their antiseptic and antifungal properties. The plant is also used in culinary applications, where it imparts a mild thyme flavor to dishes. Additionally, it is used in the production of essential oils.
+[[File:Базаихский_разрез,_Thymus_serpyllum.jpg|thumb|left|Thymus serpyllum in a natural setting]]
+Thymus serpyllum has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties. It is commonly used in herbal teas and as a flavoring in culinary dishes. The essential oil extracted from the plant is used in [[aromatherapy]] and as a natural preservative.
-[[File:Thymus serpyllum essential oil.jpg|thumb|right|Essential oil derived from ''Thymus serpyllum'']]
+In gardening, Thymus serpyllum is valued for its low maintenance and ability to attract pollinators. It is often used as a ground cover or in [[rock gardens]].
-==Ecological Importance==
+== Cultivation ==
-''Thymus serpyllum'' plays a significant role in its ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen for a variety of insects. It is particularly important for bees, which rely on the plant as a food source. The dense foliage also provides habitat and shelter for small invertebrates.
+[[File:Thymus_aa1.jpg|thumb|right|Cultivated Thymus serpyllum]]
+Thymus serpyllum is easy to grow and requires minimal care. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9 and can tolerate light foot traffic, making it suitable for planting between stepping stones or along pathways.
-==Related pages==
+== Varieties ==
+[[File:Wilder_Thymian.jpg|thumb|left|Wild thyme in the wild]]
+There are several varieties of Thymus serpyllum, each with unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
+* '''Thymus serpyllum var. albus''' - Known for its white flowers.
+* '''Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus''' - Features deep red flowers.
+* '''Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin''' - A dwarf variety with dense foliage.
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Thymus (plant)]]
 * [[Lamiaceae]]
 * [[Herbal medicine]]
-* [[Pollination]]
+* [[Culinary herbs]]
+[[File:Thymus_serpyllum_var_albus1.jpg|thumb|right|Thymus serpyllum var. albus]]
+== See also ==
+* [[Thyme]]
+* [[Perennial plant]]
+* [[Ground cover]]
 [[Category:Lamiaceae]]
+[[Category:Herbs]]
 [[Category:Flora of Europe]]
 [[Category:Flora of North Africa]]
-[[Category:Garden plants]]

Thymus serpyllum: Difference between revisions