Alyssum simplex

(Wild Alyssum)

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Alyssum simplex, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6650

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Alyssum simplex, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6651

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Alyssum simplex, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6660

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Alyssum simplex, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6664

Scientific Name Alyssum simplex USDA PLANTS Symbol ALSI8
Common Name Wild Alyssum, European Madwort ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 823027
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4400 to 9500 ft.); dryer areas in fields, hillsides, roadsides and disturbed areas.
Plant: Erect, hairy annual, 2 to 13 inches tall; single or several stems from base; plant covered with short, grey-white stellate (star-shaped) hairs.
Leaves: Stem leaves 3/8 to 1-1/8 inches long, gradually smaller upward, oblanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate.
Inflorescence: Elongated cluster of tiny pale yellow flowers along the upper few inches of the stem; four oblanceolate petals notched at tips; four oblong, green or reddish sepals covered by star-shaped hairs; sepals are not persistent.
Bloom Period: April to June.
Fruit: Round, somewhat flattened green disks about 1/4-inch in diameter or less, covered with star-shaped hairs.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and Flora of North America.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County