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American madwort
Scientific Name: Alyssum obovatum
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
American Madwort (Alyssum obovatum)
American Madwort, scientifically known as Alyssum obovatum, is also referred to as American Alyssum. The common name "madwort" is also used more broadly as a synonym for plants in the genus Alyssum.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alyssum obovatum (C.A. Mey.) Turcz.
- Rank: Species
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family), formerly Cruciferae
- Synonyms: American Alyssum (Alyssum americanum Greene)
- Other related genera mentioned: Aurinia
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia.
- Naturalized in North America, including Alaska.
- Found in New England, although not as widespread as in other areas.
- Hoary False Madwort has established itself in the temperate belt of North America.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
- Low-growing.
- Perennial.
Ecological Role
- Desert Madwort is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to western North America.
Other Madwort Species Mentioned
- German Madwort (Asperugo procumbens)
- Pale Madwort (Alyssum alyssoides)
- Desert Madwort (Alyssum desertorum)
- Mountain Madwort (Alyssum montanum)
Further Information
- ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 182001
- Plant database for American madwort Natives Brassicaceae.