Common Name: alyssum
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Brassicaceae
Native Range: Europe, Asia
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 0.00 to 0.25 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 where it is easily grown in average, dry to medium well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates slightly alkaline soils. Needs a protected location if growth is attempted in the St. Louis area.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Alyssum propinquum, commonly called alyssum, is a dwarf plant that grows to only 3” tall with a spread to 8-12” wide. It is native to rocky areas of Turkey. It features tiny yellow spring flowers (1/3” long) on plants clad with tiny silver leaves (1/4” long).
Genus name comes from the Greek words a meaning not or against and lyssa meaning rage or madness in reference to the plant being used against madness and the bite of mad dogs.
Specific epithet means related.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Miniature plant provides yellow flower color to rock gardens, crevices and slopes in summer.