Arenaria serpyllifolia L.

Thyme Leaf Sandwort

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Thyme Leaf Sandwort is a non-native annual herb in the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae). A native of Europe, it is widespread in the United States. In Alabama it is found statewide. Thyme Leaf Sandwort occurs in disturbed areas such as in cemeteries, on roadsides, and in cracks in parking lots, sidewalks, and buildings. It is a small sprawling to ascending plant with opposite leaves. There are usually many stems from the base of the plant. The leaves are ovate with entire margins or with hairs along the margins. The flowers are produced near the tips of the stems. Each flower has five un-notched white petals. The fruit is a capsule with several small kidney shaped black seed. A related species, Spreading Sandwort (Arenaria lanuginosa (Michaux) Rohrback), is also found in Alabama. It differs from Thyme Leaf Sandwort by being a larger perennial plant with lanceolate or oblanceolate leaves. Thyme Leaf Sandwort differs from the related Chickweeds (Stellaria) and Mouse Ear Chickweeds (Cerastium) by its un-notched petals. It differs from the related Sandworts (Minuartia) which have linear leaves and larger flowers.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FAC (NWPL)

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