SafePlants

Madwort: A Botanical Overview

The term "madwort" is a common name applied to several different plants. This page explores some of the plants known as madwort, providing information on their characteristics and uses.

Common and Scientific Names

• Common Name: Madwort
• Scientific Names: The name "madwort" can refer to several species, including:
  • Asperugo procumbens (German Madwort)
  • Various species of Alyssum (including Alyssum desertorum and Alyssum tortuosum)
  • Aurinia saxatilis (syn. Alyssum saxatile) (Rock Madwort, Basket of Gold, Golden Alyssum, Gold-dust)
  • Lobularia maritima (Sweet Alyssum)
• Other Common Names: Hoary False Madwort, Hoary Alyssum, Hoary False Alyssum, Basket of Gold, Golden-tuft, Golden Alyssum, Gold-dust, Rock Madwort, Sweet Alyssum.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family:
  • Asperugo procumbens belongs to the Borage Family (Boraginaceae).
  • Aurinia saxatilis belongs to the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae).
• Genus:
  • Asperugo
  • Alyssum
  • Aurinia
  • Lobularia

Distribution and Habitat

• Asperugo procumbens is native to Eurasia and has naturalized in North America. It's particularly widespread across North America but less common in New England, specifically found in Connecticut. It is also found in eastern Adams County, Washington along Rock Creek.
• Lobularia maritima is native to Southern Europe.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Asperugo procumbens is described as a low, hairy annual herb with trailing bristly stems. It grows to a height of 20-70 cm (8-28 inches) and has blue flowers. Its stems are weak and scrambling-climbing, reaching 30-120 cm long.
• Aurinia saxatilis is a mat-forming plant with spatulate leaves and open clusters of pale yellow flowers.
• Lobularia maritima is a hardy annual ground cover with dense clusters of tiny white, pink, or lavender flowers.

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Historically, madwort (specifically Asperugo procumbens) was thought to be an antidote to the bite of a mad dog. The root was also used as a substitute for madder to create a dye.

Ecological Role

• Asperugo procumbens is sometimes considered a European weed.

Quirky Facts

• The name "madwort" may be derived from the Dutch words "mede" (madder) and "wort" (plant), reflecting its historical use in making dye.

Further Information

• ARKive provides photos and facts about German Madwort (Asperugo procumbens).
• The USDA NRCS Montana PM Program offers a plant fact sheet for Desert Madwort (Alyssum desertorum).
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Alyssum tortuosum.