English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most common and popular thyme varieties. In fact, it is often called common thyme. It did not originate in England—the Romans brought it there and the Brits took it on as their own. English thyme is low-growing and fragrant with green, round leaves. You can use it in almost any recipe—fresh or dried—and it makes a pretty garnish as well. English thyme’s fragrance is popular in potpourris and soaps, and can be planted as a hardy groundcover. It’s the perfect all-purpose thyme.