Wild Thyme (Thymus praecox arcticus)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Thymus praecox arcticus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring to cooked foods. — Leaves - raw in salads or added as a flavouring to cooked foods.; Retains its flavour well in long slow cooking.; 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.; An aromatic tea is made from the leaves or dried flowers.

Habitat & North American Range

Chalk downs, dry grassland, heaths, dunes, screes and amongst rocks. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)