Conehead thyme

Thymbra capitata

Layer 5 · Ground cover
Ground cover

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Thymus capitatus is an aromatic perennial subshrub native to the Mediterranean basin, perfectly adapted to dry and rocky soils. In a food forest, it functions as a rustic edging element that produces cone-shaped inflorescences, being an extraordinary magnet for honey bees and other pollinators. Its strong essential oils simultaneously help to disguise neighbouring crops against unwanted pests.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees conehead thyme grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Small subshrub up to 0.4 m
Mature diameter: 0.4 m
Soils: Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Planting
November — Planting
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: It is rich in essential oils with potent antiseptic properties, traditionally used to treat respiratory and digestive infections.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.