Thymus polytrichus - Wild Thyme
This low-growing member of the mint family
is generally found in dryish grassland, heaths and dunes, but occasionally you will also
find it growing in dry stone walls. In suitable conditions it spreads rapidly via runners.
Wild thyme has square stems that are hairy on two sides, and oval leaves.
The purple flower heads are rounded with individual flowers typically 5 mm across.
A taller, more strongly scented relative, Large Thyme (Thymus
pulegoides) does not throw out runners and has elongated whorled flower spikes; it is
more commonly found in areas with plenty of lime in the soil.
Wildflowers of Wales
This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 2 - Seashores and Coastal Cliffs.
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