Thyme-leaf Sandwort
Arenaria serpyllifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Thyme-leaf Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Thyme-leaf Sandwort
Thyme-leaf Sandwort is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaThyme-leaf sandwort is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small mats of tiny leaves and delicate white flowers. This diminutive plant blooms from May through July and thrives in sunny, dry conditions. It naturally grows in sandy or rocky soils and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Thyme-leaf Sandwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very small size makes it appear weedy in formal landscapes
- Annual nature means it dies back completely each year
- Can look sparse or patchy in maintained garden beds
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer months. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for small pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Thyme-leaf Sandwort need?
- Thyme-leaf Sandwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Thyme-leaf Sandwort bloom?
- Thyme-leaf Sandwort blooms in May, June, and July.
- What pollinators does Thyme-leaf Sandwort attract?
- Thyme-leaf Sandwort draws bees and beetles.
- Is Thyme-leaf Sandwort HOA-friendly?
- Thyme-leaf Sandwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Thyme-leaf Sandwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz