Breckland thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Sp. Pl.: 590 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 590 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thymus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Siberia

Description

Breckland thyme, scientifically known as Thymus serpyllum, is a perennial plant hailing from the vast expanse of Europe to the far reaches of Siberia. This diminutive yet robust herb is a proud member of the Lamiaceae family, renowned for its versatile uses and aromatic properties.

The origins of Breckland thyme can be traced back to the seminal work “Species Plantarum,” authored by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, in which it received its formal Latin epithet. This plant is celebrated not only for its historical botanical significance but also for its resilience and adaptability across diverse climatic regions.

Breckland thyme is characterized by its low, creeping growth habit, forming dense mats of greenery that often adorn rocky hillsides, meadows, and dry, sandy soils. Its small, oval leaves exude a refreshing scent when crushed, indicative of its affiliation with other aromatic herbs like mint and rosemary. During the summer months, this thyme species produces clusters of delicate, pink to purple flowers, adding a vibrant splash of color to its surroundings and attracting a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In addition to its ornamental appeal, Breckland thyme has a storied history of culinary and medicinal use. The leaves can be harvested and used either fresh or dried, imparting a subtle yet distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to savory marinades. Traditionally, Thymus serpyllum has been employed in herbal remedies, leveraging its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to address ailments such as respiratory infections and skin conditions.

The resilience and versatility of Breckland thyme have also made it a favorite in landscaping and gardening. It thrives in well-drained, sunlit locations, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and even between stepping stones, where it can handle occasional foot traffic while preventing soil erosion.

In conclusion, Breckland thyme is a multifaceted plant that seamlessly integrates aesthetic beauty, culinary utility, and medicinal value. Its widespread distribution from Europe to Siberia underscores its adaptability, while its enduring presence in gardens and kitchens around the world highlights its timeless appeal.

Common Names

Eng: breckland thyme, breckland-garden, creeping thyme, hillwort, lemon thyme, mother of thyme, mother-of-thyme, penny mountain, wild thyme, breckland garden, breckland wild thyme
Deu: feldthymian, quendel, sand-thymian
Dan: smalbladet timian
Swe: backtimjan, kangasajuruoho
Fin: kangasajuruoho
Nld: kleine tijm
Spa: serpol, tomillo
Fra: serpolet, serpolet à feuilles étroites, thym sauvage
Nob: småtimian
Nno: småtimian
Por: tomilho
Sme: honnetrássi
Cym: gruw breckland, teim breckland
En: Breckland thyme, Breckland-garden, Creeping thyme, Mother-of-thyme, Wild thyme, Tiänutimjám, Wuducunelle, Hillwort, Lemon thyme, Mother of thyme, Penny mountain, Breckland Garden, Breckland Wild Thyme
Am: ጦስኝ
Ar: زعتر بري
Hy: Ուրց սողացող
Az: Sürünən kəklikotu
Ba: Кейәү үләне
Eu: Serpol
Be: Чабор звычайны
Bs: Majčina dušica
Br: Munudig, Tin-lann
Bg: Дива мащерка
Ca: Farigola de muntanya, Farigola mascle, Frigoleta, Salsa de pastor, Serpol, Serpoll, Timó negre, Timó, Farigola negra
Zh: 匍匐百里香, 野百里香, 鋪地百里香, 鋪地香
Kw: Tim
Hr: Majčina dušica
Cs: Mateřídouška úzkolistá
Da: Smalbladet Timian
Nl: Kleine tijm, Wilde tijm
Et: Jaanitee, Kaetisrohi, Mehitsehein, Nõmm-liivatee, Nõmmeliivatee, Rabanduserohi
Fi: Kangasajuruoho
Fr: Serpolet, Thym sauvage, Thym serpolet, Serpolet à feuilles étroites, Farigoulette
Ka: Მხოხავი ბეგქონდარა
De: Quendel, Feldthymian, Feldkümmel, Feldquendel, Gundelkraut, Sand-Thymian, Sandthymian, Wilder Thymian
He: קורנית הבר
Hu: Mezei kakukkfű, Keskenylevelű kakukkfű, Vadkakukkfű
Is: Brúðberg
Io: Serpolo
Ga: Tím chreige
It: Serpillo, Timo serpillo, Timo settentrionale
Kk: Тасшөп
Lv: Mazais mārsils
Lt: Paprastasis čiobrelis
Se: Deanutimjan, Honnetrássi
Nb: Småtimian
Nn: Småtimian
Oc: Menudet, Serpol, Serpoulet, Farigoleta, Ferigoleta, Serpolet
Os: Тынгæрдæг
Fa: سوسنبر
Pl: Macierzanka piaskowa
Pt: Tomilho
Ro: Cimbrişor, Cimbrișor
Ru: Tim’jan polzučij, Богородицына травка, Богородская трава, Тимьян ползучий, Чабрец обыкновенный
Sr: Majkina dušica
Sk: Dúška materina, Dúška úzkolistá, Materina dúška úzkolistá
Es: Serpol, Tomillo, Hierba luna, Tomillo salsero, Tomillo sanjuanero, Serpola, Serpollo
Sv: Backtimjan, Kangasajuruoho
Zh-tw: 鋪地百里香
Uk: Чебрець звичайний
Wa: Såvaedje pilé
Cy: Teim Breckland, Gruw Breckland

Synonyms

• Serpyllum vulgare (Fourr.)
• Origanum serpyllum ((L.) Kuntze)
• Thymus campestris (Salisb.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Catherine Chardon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by x Riccardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Noé Simler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by NigelSpiers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Chantal (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by segarra lluis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Jose Maria Treviño Ferrer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Mathurin Campiche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by David Jeanmonod (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2019 by koozmim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Bernard Durbecq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Charlie Berlu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Евгения Евгения (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Sarah Smadja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Isabelle Bliard (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Matúš Seči (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Zillah Zillah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2019 by floska (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30066276-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6409622)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thymus serpyllum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 1