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Photograph of Lemon thyme
Photo: Wikipedia

Lemon thyme

Thymus citriodorus

  • Layer 4 · Herbaceous
  • Edible companion

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 citriodorus, known as lemon thyme, is a perennial subshrub originating from the Mediterranean region, characterised by a low, woody and dense growth habit. In a food forest, it plays a key role in the ground cover layer, helping to suppress weeds and protect the soil structure in the areas most exposed to the sun. Additionally, its intense release of citrus essential oils acts as a natural pest repellent, whilst its blooms attract a wide variety of pollinating insects.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees lemon thyme grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full sun
  • Size: Subshrub up to 30 cm
  • Mature diameter: 0.4 m
  • Soils: Loam, Sandy, Limestone
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

  1. January — Harvest
  2. February — Harvest
  3. March — Harvest — Planting
  4. April — Harvest — Planting
  5. May — Harvest
  6. June — Harvest
  7. July — Harvest
  8. August — Harvest
  9. September — Harvest
  10. October — Harvest — Planting
  11. November — Harvest — Planting
  12. December — Harvest
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: Used in expectorant infusions to relieve coughs and respiratory tract ailments.

Where to buy

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.

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees lemon thyme grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

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