Plant Details

Thymus x citriodorus

Lemon Thyme, Creeping Lemon Thyme, Lemon-Scented Thyme

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Thymus x citriodorus.

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Creeping Lemon Thyme
  • Lemon Thyme
  • Lemon-Scented Thyme
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Citroentijm
French
  • Thym citron
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Thymus x citriodorus
Accepted name (Kew): Thymus × citriodorus View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Lamiaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Thymus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Lemon Thyme, Creeping Lemon Thyme, Lemon-Scented Thyme

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.10 m
Spread: 0.15–0.3 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Growth rate: Moderate
Sources [2]
Foliage: Evergreen
Growth habit: Mounding

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [2]
Life cycle: Perennial
Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [2]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Occasionally Dry

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [2]
Soil:
Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky
Sources [2]
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun
Sources [2]

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Tea
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Cosmetic use, Essential oil, Fungicide, Repellent, Bee forage, Ground cover, Fragrant

Description

Leaves - They can be added raw to salads or used as a seasoning in cooked dishes. They have a delightful lemon flavor. To dry the leaves, it is best to harvest the plants in early to late summer, just before the flowers open, and to dry the leaves quickly. The leaves are often used to make an aromatic tea, which has a pleasant lemony taste and is very refreshing.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/06
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Thymus × citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb., name ID 204618, row 1109616
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1109380; name ID 204357; Thymus L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Thymus x citriodorus — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Relevant sections
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .