Thymus serpyhllum ssp. serpyllum

Family: Lamiaceae

Common names: SILVER THYME, THYME

Synonyms: Thymus citriodorus, Thymus citriodorus silver thyme, Thymus x citriodorus

Native to: Garden Origin

Sentiment: activity

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, dense form, erect, mounding, pendent, prostrate, spreading

Leaves evergreen

Max height: 1 foot

Max width: 2 feet

Flower

magenta/purple, violet

Leaf

green, secondary color present

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bee, specific butterfly species

Plant features: evergreen

Edible: herb

Exposure: sun

Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant, ground cover

Propagates by: seed

flowers in summer

Soil types: loam, well drained

USDA Zones: zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f

Temp. range: -10 to +30 °F

Water: moderate

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial

This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.

Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.

Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.

By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.