These values are location-based: this location's current hardiness is the baseline, and the 2050 value is a projected future climate for this same location.

In plain terms: This location is in Zone 6b today. Its hardiness profile is cold winters, and coldest nights are typically around -3°F. By 2050, the projected hardiness zone is Zone 7a based on SSP3-7.0 (regional rivalry). That is a +0.5-zone shift from Zone 6b to Zone 7a by 2050.

Well-suited today and still thriving in 2050.

European honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Thyme honey is a recognized monofloral product from Mediterranean regions; bees work the small tubular flowers heavily.

Common eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens)

Sweat bees (Lasioglossum spp.)

Whole-leaf thyme is generally non-toxic to dogs and cats in culinary quantities; concentrated thyme essential oil contains thymol and is toxic to cats, so keep essential-oil products out of reach.

Historically used in ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval European folk medicine as an antiseptic poultice and respiratory tonic (Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 1931); modern clinical efficacy of culinary-strength preparations not established.

NC State Extension lists Thymus vulgaris for USDA zones 5a-9b across temperate North America.

Frost- and drought-tolerant once established; the limiting factor is winter wet, not winter cold.

No significant disease or pest issues reported; deer leave the aromatic foliage alone.

A Mediterranean perennial native to rocky slopes from Spain through Greece, and notably drought-tolerant. It thrives in full Mediterranean summer heat but is prone to crown rot in cool, damp summers without sharp drainage.