WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread but uncommon in the South, mainly running from a line from the Wash to the Severn Estuary, it is very scattered elsewhere. Due to its decline it s classed as vulnerable. Habitat includes: Dry calcareous grassland, rock outcrops, arable fields (almost extinct) now rare, quarries, wasteland, exposed calcareous rocks / lime-rich soil, roadside verges, sandy / gravelly soils (Ireland). Flowers: May to September. Height: 4 - 30 cm. Growing habit: Annual / short-lived Perennial. Other names include: Spring Savory, Acinos arvensis. Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ due to efficient methods of weed control almost causing its complete extinction in arable habitats and is only present on less intensively used arable land. Lack of bare ground which is required by this species to aid seed germination is the cause of loss in grassland habitat. In Ireland, sand / gravel extraction are the main causes of decline. Used to be harvested as a substitute for thyme (where the same Spring Savory comes from), but is is now too rare to pick.