Photographs: Derrynane. Co. Kerry

Thyme-leaved Sandwort Arenaria serpyllifolia subsp. serpyllifolia Gaineamhlus tíme Family: Caryophyllaceae Flowering time: May-August. Annual. Native. Small 5-petalled white flowers, sepals longer than undivided petals. Seed capsule flask-shaped with broad base and narrow neck. The unstalked, pointed leaves are small, downy and oval. Bushy growth, height 3-20cm Found on walls, bare limestone or sandy soils and gravelled rides in conifer plantations. Similar: Slender Sandwort, A. serpyllifolia subsp. leptoclados. Slender plant, capsule straight-sided.

Thyme-leaved Sandwort, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Gaineamhlus tíme