SafePlants

Alyssum: A Carpet of Fragrant Blooms

Alyssum, often referred to by its common name, Sweet Alyssum or Sweet Alison, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-growing, fragrant flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alyssum (genus); Lobularia maritima (Sweet Alyssum - now botanically called Lobularia)
• Common Names: Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison, Spiny Madwort
• Synonyms: Alyssum maritimum, Lobularia maritimum
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family), also referenced as Cruciferae.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, with the highest species diversity in these regions.
• Sweet Alyssum is native to the Mediterranean region.
• Can be found in arable fields, sandy tracks, pits, waste ground and docks, though it doesn't persist well in these environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Varieties range from compact, wiry sub-shrubs like Alyssum spinosum 'Roseum' (up to 30cm in height and width) to ground-hugging forms such as Alyssum 'Carpet of Snow'.
• Typically small plants, growing six to nine inches tall.
• Flowers bloom from June to September in many varieties.
• Flower colors include white, pastel shades, and golden-yellow.
• Alyssum aizoides is a hardy perennial from the high mountains of central and eastern Europe that forms a compact cushion.
• Some varieties, like North Face, exhibit a cascading habit, making them suitable for hanging baskets.

Ecological Role

• In Illinois Valley Airport and other locations in southwest Josephine County the three regularly pull and destroy alyssum plants.

Quirky Facts

• Sweet Alyssum is known for its heat and drought hardiness compared to many other annual plants.
• The name "alyssum" is also used to refer to madwort.