Alyssum alyssoides

(Pale Madwort)

_DSC1056%20copy

Alyssum simplex, FR265, Gunnsion National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4025

_DSC1056%20copy

Alyssum simplex, FR265, Gunnsion National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4021

_DSC1056%20copy

Alyssum simplex, FR265, Gunnsion National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4027

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