Large Thyme
Thymus pulegioides
Large Thyme is a perennial, aromatic subshrub that grows up to 30 cm in height. It is distinguished by its square stems which are hairy only along the edges, unlike other thyme species. The plant emits a strong aromatic scent and produces pink to purple inflorescences from June to September. It prefers sunny, dry habitats such as nutrient-poor grasslands, embankments, or path edges.
Details
Habitat function
Provides habitat and food for specialized insect species in dry biotopes.
Nutrient uptake
Low nutrient requirement; adapted to poor soils.
Food source for
Wild bees, honeybees, hoverflies, and butterflies.
Human use
Medicinal plant for respiratory diseases (expectorant), culinary herb, and spice.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important nectar source for insects and host plant for specialized butterfly larvae such as the Large Blue.
Natural predators
Various herbivorous insects and occasionally grazing animals.
Competitor species
Competitive grasses when soil nutrient levels increase due to eutrophication.
Ecosystem service
Pollination services by attracting bees and butterflies; erosion control on dry slopes.
Threats
Habitat loss due to scrub encroachment, over-fertilization (eutrophication), and intensive agriculture.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds; vegetative via rooting of prostrate stems (stolon formation).
Protection & threats
Main threats
Eutrophication via nitrogen deposition, abandonment of land use (scrub encroachment/succession), conversion of dry grasslands to arable land, intensive grazing.