Madwort
Alyssumspinosum

Family: Brassicaceae (brass-ih-KAY-see-ee)
Genus: Alyssum (al-ISS-um)
Species: spinosum (spy-NO-sum)

Synonym:Ptilotrichum spinosum

Category
Shrubs

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest

Foliage Color
Bronze

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Magenta (pink-purple)
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored