Thymus caespititius is dwarf, aromatic mat-forming groundcover shrub, It is native to Portugal, northwest Spain, and the Azores. The plant has narrow, spatula-shaped, smooth leaves to 6 mm (0.24 in) long, fringed with tiny hairs. The rose, lilac or white flowers are borne in small, flattened mat-hugging heads from late spring to summer. Cultivation Thymus caespititius, grown as an ornamental plant, and is hardy from USDA Zones 9-11. The cultivar Thymus caespititius 'Aureus' has narrow, light gold leaves.