DESCRIPTION: Height up to 2cm tall.  Usually this is a creeping herb with woody stems up to 10cm long.  The oval leaves are glossy and evergreen and give off a pleasant aromatic scent.  The flowers are typical of the labiate family and are usually pale pink to purplish although they can be white in rare cases.   They are borne in clusters of up to four flowers.  DISTRIBUTION: Common where found. HABITAT: Open, well drained sunny grassy areas that are well grazed. FLOWERING TIME: March to May. FURTHER INFO:  An infusion or syrup can be made from the plant and used to treat sore throats, cold-like symptoms, breathing problems and sinusitis.  Can be used as a seasoning for many meat dishes.  A tea can be used to treat headaches and nervous disorders and the plant can act as an antispasmodic and relieve the symptoms of cramps.  Used as an aromatic (as part of herbal baths or within pillows), antiseptic and refreshment tonic as well as a diuretic Wild Thyme is really a useful plant to have access to. It is the sole foodplant of the Large Blue butterfly. Thymus descends from the Greek word for 'disinfect' because of its use as incense and a disinfecting agent.