Thymus citriodorus
| Thymus citriodorus | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Thymus |
| Species: | T. citriodorus |
| Binomial name | |
| Thymus citriodorus |
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| Synonyms | |
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Thymus x citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb., T. serpyllum citratus, T. serpyllum citriodora, T. serpyllum citriodorum |
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Thymus citriodorus or Thymus x citriodorus, also known as Lemon thyme or Citrus thyme (synonyms: Thymus fragrantissimus, [1] Thymus serpyllum citratus, Thymus serpyllum citriodorum) [2] is a species of the herb Thyme, in the genus Thymus. It is a hybrid of European garden origin, between Thymus pulegioides and Thymus vulgaris. [2]
The plant is an evergreen sub-shrub, growing to 0.1 metres (3.9 in) in height by 0.3 metres (12 in) in spread. It prefers full sun and well draining soil. The bloom period is mid to late summer, with pink to lavender flowers that are a nectar source for bees and butterflies. [2]
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[edit] Uses
Thymus citriodorus and its cultivars are cultivated as ornamental plants, culinary herbs, and medicinal plants.
- Culinary
The leaves are used as a flavoring herb in cooking, raw in salads, and for a herbal teas. [2]
- Medicinal
Herbal medicinal uses can include the using leaves and/or essential oils in: antiseptics, asthma and respiratory aromatherapy, deodorants, and disinfectants. [2]
[edit] Cultivation
In gardens, the plants are often used as groundcovers: in planting beds, between stepping stones, and in containers. They are a drought tolerant plant when established [3]. As honey plants attracting wildlife, they are used in wildlife gardening. [2]
[edit] Cultivars
Cultivars are selected for foliage color, and aromas of different citrus fruits:
- Lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus)[4] — lemon, medium green with yellow variegation foliage. [2]
- Doone Valley Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus 'Doone Valley' — syn. Thymus doerfleri 'Doone Valley') — intense lemon scent, deep green with yellow flecks foliage, mounding, large pink blossoms. [5]
- Silver lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus argenteus)[6] — lemon, leaves variegated with white.
- Golden lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus 'Variegata' — syn: Thymus x citriodorus 'Aureus') [7] [8] — lemon, leaves variegated with yellow.
- Orange thyme (Thymus × citriodorus 'Orange syn: Thymus fragrantissimus 'Orange')[9] — orange, unusually low growing.
- Lime Thyme (Thymus cv. 'Lime Thyme') [10] — bright lime green and fine textured foliage (no scent/flavor).
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Dave's Garden: Thymus fragrantissimus
- ^ a b c d e f g PFAF: taxonomy/treatment . accessed 12.1.2011
- ^ High Country gardens: Low Water Plants . accessed 12.1.2011
- ^ Thymus citriodorus Lemon Thyme. Mountain Valley Growers.
- ^ High Country Gardens: Thymus citriodorus 'Doone Valley' - Doone Valley Lemon Thyme
- ^ Fine Gardening: Thymus × citriodorus 'Argenteus' - Silver Variegated Lemon Thyme
- ^ Paghat's Garden: Thymus × citriodorus 'Variegata' - Gold Variegated Lemon Thyme
- ^ Monrovia - Variegated Lemon Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus 'Variegata') . accessed 12.1.2011
- ^ Halcyon Plants: Thymus fragrantissimus 'Orange' - Orange thyme.
- ^ Mountain Valley Growers: Thymus cv. 'Lime Thyme' (Lime Thyme) . accessed 12.1.2011
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[edit] External links
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