Wild thyme becomes the Plant of 2027 in an online vote in Belarus

Belarusians have chosen wild thyme as the Plant of 2027: 34% of participants in an online vote organized by the public association "Botanical Society" voted for it. The campaign was supported by a media outlet and by the company "Wild Nature". Wild thyme will succeed common heather, the Plant of 2026.

The vote began on 30 October 2026 and ran until 4 November. Of the 95 species nominated, six contenders reached the final. The aim of the contest is to choose a wild-growing plant to be the symbol of the year, the Institute of Experimental Botany noted.

In total, 3277 votes were cast on five online platforms. Wild thyme got 1118 votes (34%), pedunculate oak 783 (24%), and lady's slipper orchid 594 (18%). Wild thyme came first on four of the five platforms and won by a clear margin.

Wild thyme is a low perennial subshrub with a distinctive scent. It is one of the best-known and best-loved wild plants in Belarus: it grows throughout the country and creeps across dry forest clearings. It blooms in May and June, forming lilac-pink carpets. It is used in folk medicine, as a tea and a seasoning, and it is also a good honey plant: its nectar yields fragrant honey.

It is not under threat of extinction but, as the campaign description puts it, it deserves attention as a cultural symbol of loyalty to one's roots and love for one's native land.

Wild thyme has already held a title: in 2021 it was the "Belarusian Word of the Year".

The other finalists placed as follows: chamomile 397 votes (12%), stinging nettle 218 (7%), twinflower 167 (5%).