Thyme-Leaf Sandwort

Arenaria serpyllifolia

Physical Characteristics

Arenaria serpyllifolia is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, temperate Asia and N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: The entire plant is used as a pot-herb[177].

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Depurative Diuretic Dysentery Febrifuge The plant is antitussive, depurative, diuretic and febrifuge[[147, 218]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of dysentery[218]. It is also used in the treatment of bladder complaints, calculus troubles and acute and chronic cystitis[240].

Known Hazards

None known