Thyme-leaf sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia, Sp. Pl.: 423 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 423 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arenaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. Eurasia to Philippines (Luzon), N. Africa to Ethiopia

Description

Thyme-leaf sandwort, scientifically known as Arenaria serpyllifolia, is a resilient, herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. Initially cataloged by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this versatile species has since intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its widespread adaptability and distinct characteristics.

Native to temperate regions, Thyme-leaf sandwort spans across Eurasia, extending its presence to the Philippines, notably on the island of Luzon. Its range, however, doesn’t end there; the plant is also found in the northern parts of Africa, stretching down to Ethiopia. This broad geographical distribution highlights the plant’s exceptional adaptability to different climatic conditions and terrains, from rocky outcrops to sandy soils.

Characterized by its delicate, needle-like leaves that resemble those of thyme, Arenaria serpyllifolia thrives in a variety of habitats. It is typically seen growing in open areas where it can receive plenty of sunlight. The plant forms low, spreading mats that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an important species for maintaining the integrity of various ecosystems.

Noteworthy for its small, star-shaped white flowers, Thyme-leaf sandwort adds a touch of beauty to the often harsh environments it inhabits. These modest flowers, though not visually striking, play a crucial role in the local biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Throughout history, this unassuming plant has been the subject of numerous botanical studies due to its remarkable adaptive strategies and ecological significance. Its presence across such a diverse range of climates and regions underscores the inherent resilience of Arenaria serpyllifolia, a true survivor in the plant kingdom.

In summary, Thyme-leaf sandwort is more than just a common herb; it represents a fascinating example of botanical perseverance and ecological importance, thriving across continents and contributing to the stability and beauty of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig markarve, markarve, sandarve
Deu: quendelblättriges sandkraut, thymianblättriges sandkraut
Eng: thyme-leaf sandwort, thymeleaf sandwort, thyme-leaved sandwort
Nld: gewone zandmuur
Fra: sabline à feuilles de serpolet
Swe: sandnarv
Sme: sáttonárva
Cym: gwlydd y mur, gwlyddyn gruwddail, tywodlys dail teim, tywodwlydd, tywodwlydd gruwddail, tywodwlydd y fagwyr
Gla: gaineamhlus tíme
Nob: sandarve
Nno: sandarve
En: Thyme-leaf sandwort, Thymeleaf sandwort, Thyme-leaved Sandwort
Be: Пясчанка чаборалістая
Bg: Полегнала песъчарка
Ca: Borrissol, Arenària serpil·lifòlia
Zh: 无心菜
Cs: Písečnice douškolistá
Da: Almindelig markarve, Markarve, Sandarve
Nl: Zandmuur, Gewone zandmuur
Et: Harilik liivkann
Fi: Mäkiarho, Siroarho
Fr: Sabline à feuilles de serpolet, Sabline des murs, Sabline sauvage, Petite Sabline des murs
De: Thymianblättriges Sandkraut, Quendel-Sandkraut, Quendelblättriges Sandkraut, Quendel Sandkraut
Hu: Kakukk homokhúr
It: Arenaria serpillifolia
Ko: 벼룩이자리
Se: Sáttonárva
Nb: Sandarve
Nn: Sandarve
Pl: Piaskowiec macierzankowy
Ru: Песчанка тимьянолистная
Gd: Gaineamhlus tíme
Sk: Piesočnica dúškolistá
Es: Arenaria
Sv: Sandnarv
Zh-tw: 無心菜, 鵝不食草
Cy: Tywodlys dail teim, Gwlydd y Mur, Gwlyddyn Gruwddail, Tywodwlydd, Tywodwlydd Gruwddail, Tywodwlydd y Fagwyr

Synonyms

• Stellaria serpyllifolia ((L.) Scop.)
• Arenaria serpyllifolia var. viridis (H.Post)
• Arenaria serpyllifolia var. obscura (H.Post)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Selvagens (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Labrador (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken May 28, 2021 by Niko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by rsumlin3 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by Joan Romkema (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Petra Stašková (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2019 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2019 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 10, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2020 by Noah Hinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2020 by Noah Hinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Leny Mercier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 17, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8089871)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:303826-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arenaria serpyllifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth