Broad-Leaved Thyme, lemon thyme

Thymus pulegioides

Basic Information

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Genus: thymus

Plant ID (slug): thymus-pulegioides

Numeric ID: 24542

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Thymus pulegioides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. 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

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Serbia and Bulgaria.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment The leaves of some cultivars can be used as a condiment[183, 238]. They can be used as an ingredient of the herb mix 'bouquet garni', or added to soups, vegetables etc, going particularly well with mushrooms or courgettes[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 Expectorant The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are antiseptic, deodorant, disinfectant and expectorant[200, 222, 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].