A member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family, Wild Thyme often grows into dense mats which can produce a wonderful fragrance when walked upon. You will spot the sea of beautiful pale lilac/purple/pink flowers of Wild Thyme between May and September.
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Wild Thyme
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Wild Thyme
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | Wild Thyme |
| Scientific Name | Thymus polytrichus |
| Synonyms | Thymus praecox subsp. polytrichus |
| Season Start | Jan |
| Season End | Dec |
Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.
Leaves
Small oval leaves in opposite pairs with tiny pore like marks when viewed closely, often with small white hairs.
Flowers
Pale lilac/pink to purple flowers from May to September.
Flower Stem
Has a purple, square flower stem with hairs growing on two opposite sides.
Habitat
Chalk downs,meadows with short grass, heaths, among rocks or dry stone walls and sometimes among dunes.
Smell
Thyme.
Frequency
Common in the Southeast, less so elsewhere.
Collecting
The leaves can be picked as with cultivated Thyme and although edible, the flowers are a bit small to do anything with.
Medicinal Uses
Wild Thyme contains thymol, which is the familiar scent you’ll get when the plant is crushed. Thymol is also present in Wild Bergamot and Oregano amongst others. This essential oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
