A fragrant herb that grows in clusters of slender small-leaved shoots, producing many small flowers. It was known far and wide in Middle-earth; it was evidently familiar to the Shire-folk, and could also be found in the valleys of the Misty Mountains and among the aromatic gardens of Ithilien, where it grew into large bushes. Well known as a herb used in cooking, Sam asked Gollum to gather him some of thyme while preparing a meal in Ithilien (a notion that Gollum found appalling).