Breckland Garden

Used in many a kitchen

Thyme (Thymus) is a genus with many species. In the Netherlands the creeping thyme is one of three species although in southern Europe there are more. Characteristic for thyme is the abundant purple-blue flowers, which lure in the bees, and the small, strongly aromatic leaves that are used in many cuisines.

In herbal medicine thyme is one of the most well known herbs and is often used for numerous ailments. Oil of thyme was used on wounds and for fungal infections. In the past an infusion of thyme was given to women in labour and to encourage menstruation.

Ecology and habitat

Creeping thyme grows in mainly in northern Europe, from the Netherlands, Belgium and central Germany to central Sweden and northwest Russia. In the Netherlands the plant is rare occurring in the east and central regions, along the main Dutch rivers, Limburg and the Hollandse dunes. In the Netherlands this species is dependent upon a not too acidic sandy soil. It grows mainly on grazed edges of heathland, in the verges of sandy lanes but also on the sandy hills of the Maas river valley.

Threat

The soil type preferred by this species of thyme generally has a low buffering capacity, as such any eutrophication and acidification from ammonia (from manure) and vehicle pollution will impact this species. Too much pollution is one of the main contributors to the rapid decline of the creeping thyme.

The Dutch government has a programme entitled ”Programmatische Aanpak Stikstof” (programme based approach to Nitrogen reduction) to reduce the levels of nitrogen in the natural environment. As part of the programme many areas are being cleansed of excessive biomass, for example removal of nutrient-rich top soil. However, only a true reduction in nitrogen emissions would really be sustainable.