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desert madwort

Scientific Name: Alyssum desertorum

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Alyssum desertorum: Desert Madwort

Alyssum desertorum, commonly known as desert madwort, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Alyssum desertorum Stapf
  • Common Names: Desert madwort, desert alyssum
  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family) also referred to as Cruciferae.
  • Genus: Alyssum L.
  • Synonyms:
    • A. desertorum var. desertorum
    • A. turkestanicum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Europe and Asia.
  • Introduced into North America and considered a common weed east of the Cascades.
  • Found in gravel areas and mountain slopes.
  • Observed near Salt Lake City, Utah and Hungry Ridge at elevations up to 1595 m (5240 ft).

Ecological Role

  • Considered an exotic, naturalized species in Oregon.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Annual forb/herb.
  • Inconspicuous yellow flowers with flower parts in 4s.
  • Non-woody plant.
  • Reported to be a perennial herb plant.
  • Gives origin to a brush with a rounded form and is large in size.
  • Reportedly can reach 2 m in height.

Additional Information

  • Blooms May-June.

Further Information

  • Plant Fact Sheet contributed by USDA NRCS Montana PM Program.
  • Discover Life page offers information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
  • Oregon Flora Project.