Wild Thyme Leaf Identification

Description

• Wild thyme, or Thymus serpyllum, grow to about 6 to 12 inches high and 12 to 18 inches wide. Wild thyme leaves are opposite, linear to elliptic in shape, about 1/4 inch long and slightly hairy. Wild thyme is considered an evergreen shrub and prefers full sunlight and very well-drained soil. It produces small purple or pink flowers that grow in tight clusters during summer months.

Types

• There are several types of wild thyme that can be distinguished by their foliage. The Aureus variety has golden leaves and the plant tends to creep or spread. Coccineus is another variety that had deep green leaves and produces dark red flowers. The Pink Chintz variety is so-named for its salmon colored flowers and has dark green hairy leaves. Goldstream has variegated leaves of yellow and green.

History

• Ancient Egyptians used wild thyme as an embalming agent in their mummification process. Ancient Greeks put wild thyme leaves in their baths and burned them as incense. The Greeks believed that thyme engendered courage. Ancient Romans used wild thyme leaves to purify rooms as well as to add flavor to cheeses and liqueurs. It is the Romans who are believed to be responsible for introducing wild thyme to Europe. During the Middle Ages, wild thyme leaves were put underneath pillows to chase away bad dreams.

Related Species

• Thymus pseudolanuginosus, or wooly thyme, is related to wild thyme and is known for its very hairy leaves. Wooly thyme is used as groundcover in landscaping and gardens. Common thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, originates from the Mediterranean region and grows well in sandy or rocky soils. All members of the genus Thymus belong to the Family Lamiaceae, the mint family.

Uses

• Aside from adding flavor to culinary dishes, wild thyme leaves are a good source of iron. It is a common ingredient found in cuisines across the globe including Turkish, Arabic, Caribbean, French, Greek, Italian, Syrian and Spanish. The essential oil of thyme contains a high percentage (20 to 55 percent) of an antiseptic known as thymol. This oil is used as an active ingredient in products such as mouthwash and was used to make medicated bandages before the use of antibiotics. Wild thyme leaves can be prepared as a tea which is used to treat respiratory infections, coughs and bronchitis.