Thymus praecox aka Creeping Thyme

Thymus praecox has two common names: creeping thyme and early thyme. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range runs from Greenland and Europe to Türkiye. This plant lives for years and has a woody base. It grows close to the ground, forming a low carpet. It does not form an upright bush. Gardeners grow it mainly as ground cover, not for cooking.

Plants tend to reach 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.25–1 foot [0.08–0.30 metres]. RHS gives wider ranges for both height and spread. These reach 1.64 feet [0.5 metres]. Brown, hairy stems creep along the soil surface. They root where they touch the ground, making a dense mat. Small, oval leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each leaf measures about 0.02 feet [0.006 metres] long. Fine hairs cover the blue-green leaves. The leaves have a spicy scent. Its strength varies with the season and where plants grow. The leaves stay green through mild winters.

Small flowers shaped like tubes grow in groups above the leaves. Their colours range from whitish to pink and purple. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms from June through September. NC State gives the same months. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms for nectar. The fruit is a schizocarp and adds little to the display. It measures less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. The scented leaves and summer blooms suit gardens for the senses. They also suit gardens for wildlife.

Give this thyme full sun and soil that drains well. It grows in sandy or rocky ground. Poor soil with few nutrients also suits it. It copes with drought, dry soil, and city growing conditions. Avoid wet ground, where the roots can rot. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 5–8. RHS rates it H5. It needs little care and grows at a moderate rate. Trim stems after flowering to keep the mat neat. To make more plants, divide them or take semi-hardwood cuttings.

Use it beside paths, between paving stones, or in containers. It also spreads across rocks, ledges, and dry banks. The mat can take moderate foot traffic. It can replace small areas of lawn. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Serious pest and disease problems are rare, though slugs may occur. Poor drainage poses a greater risk, as roots can rot. This species has some value in cooking, but cooks seldom use it. The sources supplied for this species do not establish its toxicity.