Wildflower of the valley
Linear leaved thyme
Thymus linearis
- How easy to find
- Easy to see — you will see it easily on the trail
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Local name
- Balma jhar and ban ajwain
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- small
- Flower colour
- red,blue
- Flowering
- May to September
About Linear leaved thyme
Thymus linearis is a creeping, mat forming, spreading and strongly scented herb. Stem is four angled. Leaves tiny and 1 cm long only. Flowers are long, bright purple, crowded in short, terminal and ovoid clusters.
Where to find it
- Along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria
- Near the entrance of the valley
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
In grassy slopes and rock crevices
Uses & folklore
Whole plant is used to treat eye disease, postnatal complications, liver complaints and skin diseases, stomach ache. It smells very nice, don't forget to smell it.
What the name means
Thymus is Greek thymos (courage) — the herb was thought to give bravery; linearis means "linear", after the narrow leaves.
More photos
Often seen in serene landscapes, Thymus Linearis enchants with its delicate form and vibrant hues, beloved by nature enthusiasts and… 
Discover the beauty of Thymus Linearis, a flower admired for its resilience and unique floral patterns in wild alpine meadows. 
Discover the beauty of Thymus Linearis, a flower admired for its resilience and unique floral patterns in wild alpine meadows. 
Photographed near Ghangaria in May 2025, before the valley opens on 1 June.
