Thymus x citriodorus
Lemon Thyme, Creeping Lemon Thyme, Lemon-Scented Thyme
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Thymus x citriodorus.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
The growth habit of Thymus × citriodorus.
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Thymus x citriodorus Macierzanka cytrynowa 2015 01.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Variegated leaves of a cultivated Thymus × citriodorus.
Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Starr 070906-8846 Thymus citriodorus.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
5 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Creeping Lemon Thyme
- Lemon Thyme
- Lemon-Scented Thyme
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Citroentijm
- French
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- Thym citron
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.
Sources [2]Growing conditions
USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.
Sources [2]Well-drained, Occasionally Dry
Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.
Sources [2]Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Uses
Leaves, Tea
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
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
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.
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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 .