
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
- January — Harvest
- February — Harvest
- March — Harvest — Planting
- April — Harvest — Planting
- May — Harvest
- June — Harvest
- July — Harvest
- August — Harvest
- September — Harvest
- October — Harvest — Planting
- November — Harvest — Planting
- 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.
Mount Atlas mastic treePistacia atlanticasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Mediterranean buckthornRhamnus alaternussame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Iberian wild pearPyrus bourgaeanasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needsTerebinthPistacia terebinthussame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Judas treeCercis siliquastrumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needsAfrican tamariskTamarix africanasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Montpellier mapleAcer monspessulanumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Mediterranean dwarf palmChamaerops humilissame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
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.
Not ready to map your land yet?
Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.
