Lamiaceae FAMILY

Thymus vulgaris

Edibility

4/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

A comment has been made in one report on medicinal uses that the plant should be used with caution[ 21 Title The Herb Book. Publication Author Lust. J. Publisher Bantam books Year 1983 ISBN 0-553-23827-2 Description Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book. ]. No explanation was given. It quite possibly refers to overuse of the essential oil. All essential oils, since they are so concentrated, can be harmful in large doses[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].

Botanical Description

Thymus vulgaris is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.20 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeS. Europe.

HabitatDry slopes, rocks and maquis. Always found on clay or limestone soils[ 89 Title Flowers of the Mediterranean. Publication Author Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Publisher Hogarth Press Year 1987 ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 Description A very readable pocket flora that is well illustrated. Gives some information on plant uses. ].