Thyme

Thyme, common name for any plant of a genus of dwarf, evergreen shrubs of the mint family. Many species are used as culinary herbs. Thyme or garden thyme is about 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) tall, with narrow, greyish-green leaves, and pale mauve or purple flowers in whorls. Wild thyme has a spreading stem with many branches forming mats; opposite, green, oval leaves; and pink to purplish flowers arranged in whorls crowded into terminal heads. It is less fragrant than garden thyme, but both contain an aromatic essential oil. There are many varieties of thyme, including a commonly grown hybrid with foliage that smells of lemons when fresh.

Scientific classification: Thyme makes up the genus Thymus of the family Lamiaceae (or Labiatae). Thyme or garden thyme is classified as Thymus vulgaris, wild thyme as Thymus polytrichus, and lemon thyme as Thymus x citriodorus.