Urospermum dalechampii
Urospermum dalechampiifam. Caryophyllaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. B612 — Urospermum dalechampii
Urospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampiiUrospermum dalechampii
IOverview
Overview
Urospermum dalechampii, commonly known as the Algerian thyme or Spanish winter savory, is a perennial plant native to regions in North Africa and Southern Europe including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various conditions. Known for its edible leaves, which can be used in cooking, Urospermum dalechampii is also notable for its distinctive light energy rating of 9/10, indicating its preference for open, well-lit areas.
Quick answers
What is Urospermum dalechampii?
Urospermum dalechampii, commonly known as the Algerian thyme or Spanish winter savory, is a perennial plant native to regions in North Africa and Southern Europe including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Urospermum dalechampii thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate some dryness. Hardy from zones 5-9, this perennial grows up to 0.5 meters tall and is best propagated by division in spring. The edible leaves are useful for culinary purposes.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Urospermum dalechampii for the first time
8steps
This guide will help you start with Urospermum dalechampii, focusing on basic care for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm but not hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when weather is warm.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, providing light shade if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels. Fertilize lightly in spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting to prune are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Urospermum dalechampii are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared fresh in salads for their light, moist flavor. Skip the use of this plant as a tea or other complex preparations.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native· 1 introduced
Europe3 regions
native (3)FranceItalySpain
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Tasmania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · b6123e44-afc8-4129-ae3a-c345e5ab344b
Decision aid
Choosing between Urospermum dalechampii and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.