Thyme-leaved sandwort (Arenaria
serpyllifolia) is found in all parts of Great Britain apart from the far north.
It grows on walls, cliff-tops, chalk downland and arable land.
It is a sprawling bushy plant that is
grey-green in colour. It grows to a height of 10 inches maximum but is often
much shorter when fully grown. It flowers from June to August, producing tiny
white flowers in which the undivided petals are shorter than the sepals.
It is an insignificant plant that has no
known uses and is not even eaten by wild animals, possibly because it is
poisonous to them. It is often found growing near rabbit burrows because
rabbits refuse to eat it.
The plant’s uselessness to both man and
beast may account for its survival!
© John Welford
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