Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv.

Sweet Alyssum; Sweet Alison

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Sweet Alyssum is an introduced herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial in the Mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region, Canary Islands, and Azores. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental, and has been grown in the United States since the mid-1800’s. In Alabama it has rarely been collected as an escape on roadsides and along sidewalks. Sweet Alyssum is an annual or short-lived perennial with a tap root. The decumbent stems are branched, green in color, and pubescent with appressed hairs. Leaves are alternate, sessile, oval to lanceolate in outline, pubescent, and with entire margins. Flowers are produced in racemes. Each flower has 4 green sepals, 4 white or pinkish petals, and 6 stamens. The flowers are fragrant with a honey-like odor. The fruit is an oval to rounded silicle containing 2 seed. Sweet Alyssum is listed as an invasive species by the California Invasive Plant Council. Frequently sold by nurseries and garden centers, Sweet Alyssum is a popular low-growing ornamental used as a bedding plant, for borders, in rock gardens, and in hanging baskets and container gardens. It is drought tolerant and fast growing. It does not tolerate heat very well and is best grown in the cool seasons.—A. Diamond

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Not Native

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