Scientific Name | Alyssum alyssoides | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ALAL3 |
Common Name | Pale Madwort, Pale Alyssum | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 23030 |
Family | Brassicaceae (Mustard) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to foothills (5200 to 8500 ft.); dryer soils in grassy areas, fields, among sagebrush and in disturbed areas and along roadsides. Plant: Erect, hairy annual, 2 to 12 inches tall; single or several stems from base; plant covered with stellate (star-shaped) hairs. Leaves: Stem leaves 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 inches long and about 1/8-inch wide, gradually smaller upward, narrowly-oblanceolate to linear, sometimes spatulate or obovate with rounded or pointed tips; nearly sessile. Inflorescence: Tight elongated cluster of tiny pale yellow flowers along the upper few inches of the stem; four linear petals notched at tips; four oblong, green, covered by star-shaped hairs; sepals are persistent. Bloom Period: May to July. Fruit: Round, bulging in the middle and flattened around the edges, about 3/16-inch across and covered with star-shaped hairs. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Flora Northwest and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains