edible · design plant record

Thymus vulgaris

Common culinary thyme

A small woody herb for a dry, sunny edge or its own container. The adult mound needs room beyond the nursery pot.

Height at maturity

0.15–0.31 m (0.5–1 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.15–0.41 m (0.5–1.3 ft)

Light

Sun

Moisture

Drier soil after establishment / Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

5–9 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Winter

Fit it to the site

Sunny, freely draining soil; the source favours neutral-to-alkaline conditions. Keep its watering separate from thirsty leafy crops.

Reject deep shade or a saturated shared planter. Fragrance does not show whether soil or growing conditions fit.

Keep the care in the decision

Harvest modestly from leafy growth and maintain shape according to the actual cultivar. Watch wet winter conditions and replace a declining woody plant when appropriate.

Origin & safety checks

Southwestern Europe and southeastern Italy.

Use correctly identified culinary plants and suitable growing conditions for food. NC State tags this species as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but that does not certify every exposure, preparation or essential oil.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.