creeping thyme
Thymus serpyllum
Thymus serpyllum, known by the common names of Breckland thyme, Breckland wild thyme, wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a low, usually prostrate subshrub forming creeping stems up to 10 cm (4 in) tall.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymus_serpyllum
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Lamiales
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Thymus
creeping thyme belongs to the family Lamiaceae, order Lamiales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Thymus serpyllum, known by the common names of Breckland thyme, Breckland wild thyme, wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a low, usually prostrate subshrub forming creeping stems up to 10 cm (4 in) tall. The oval evergreen leaves are up to 8 mm. The strongly scented flowers are either lilac, pink-purple, magenta, up to 6 mm long and produced in clusters.
Creeping thyme faces severe population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices that historically maintained suitable grassland conditions. Climate change and invasive species competition further threaten remaining populations in fragmented habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Dry grasslands, heathlands, sand dunes, rocky slopes, and short turf areas, typically on calcareous or sandy soils in open, sunny locations from sea level to montane elevations. Also found in traditionally managed meadows, pastures, and along path edges where regular disturbance maintains low vegetation height.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Creeping thyme faces severe population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices that historically maintained suitable grassland conditions. Climate change and invasive species competition further threaten remaining populations in fragmented habitats.
Agricultural intensification and conversion of grasslands
Loss of traditional grazing and mowing practices
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change altering suitable habitat conditions
Competition from invasive plant species
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/creeping-thyme