Mother of thyme, Creeping thyme, Woolly Thyme

Thymus praecox

Basic Information

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Genus: thymus

Plant ID (slug): thymus-praecox

Numeric ID: 24540

USDA Hardiness: 5-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Thymus praecox is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. W. and C. Europe.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment The leaves are used as a food flavouring[177, 238]. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Deodorant Disinfectant The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant[200, 238]. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use[238].