In Southern Herb Growing, by Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay, thymes are described as falling into three broad groups: �upright subshrubs 12 to 18 inches tall, creeping herbs up to 6 inches, and very flat creepers only 1 to 2 inches tall. The culinary thymes are in the upright subshrub category, and nearly all are cultivars of common thyme, T. vulgaris. � Thus, English Thyme, which may also be called �Common Thyme� or �Garden Thyme�, or a special cultivar called �Broadleaf English� are all very closely related.
Thyme is one of the basic seasonings throughout the world�s cuisines. While its leaves are small, they have a strong flavor, and should be used sparingly.