Thyme and creeping thyme are two types of plants that have similar characteristics but are typically used for different purposes. The main difference between thyme and creeping thyme lies in their growth habits and intended uses.
1. Growth Habits:
Thyme: Thyme plants (Thymus vulgaris) are upright and bushy in growth habit. They can reach a height of around 6-12 inches and spread about 12-18 inches. Thyme plants have woody stems and small, aromatic leaves that are commonly used in cooking. They are known for their strong flavor and are particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine.
Creeping Thyme: Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) has a low-growing and spreading habit. It forms a dense carpet-like mat, usually reaching a height of only a few inches but spreading up to 1-2 feet or more. Creeping thyme has tiny, elliptical leaves that are also aromatic but are not as commonly used in cooking due to their small size and tedious harvesting process.
2. Culinary Use:
Thyme: Thyme is primarily grown for culinary purposes. Its leaves are often used as a herb to add flavor to various dishes, including soups, stews, meats, and vegetables. Thyme has a slightly minty and earthy taste that complements savory dishes well. It is also used in seasoning blends and as a garnish.
Creeping Thyme: While creeping thyme is edible, it is less commonly used in cooking due to its small leaves and low harvest yield. It can still be used to infuse flavor into oils, vinegars, or as a garnish on certain dishes, but its value lies more in its ornamental and landscaping qualities.
3. Landscaping Use:
Thyme: Thyme is often used in landscaping as a ground cover or as an ornamental herb. Its upright growth habit makes it suitable for planting in borders, rock gardens, or as edging plants. Thyme’s attractive foliage and occasional flowering, which produces small pink or purple blooms, add visual interest to garden beds.
Creeping Thyme: Creeping thyme is highly valued as a ground cover due to its ability to form a dense mat that suppresses weed growth. It is commonly used to fill gaps between stepping stones, cascade over walls or slopes, or cover large areas. Creeping thyme’s low-growing habit and spreading nature make it an excellent choice for creating a carpet-like effect in the landscape.
Thyme and creeping thyme differ in their growth habits, culinary uses, and landscaping purposes. Thyme is primarily grown for culinary applications and has an upright growth habit, whereas creeping thyme is more commonly used as a ground cover due to its low-growing and spreading nature.
