Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana)

Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana) is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb known for its silvery-gray foliage and clusters of small white flowers. It is often considered

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Requires full sun for best growth and flowering.

Watering

Water sparingly once established, allowing soil to dry out.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, tolerant of poor fertility.

Temperature

Tolerant of a wide range, prefers temperate conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Generally does not require fertilization.

Care Requirements

Light

Requires full sun for best growth and flowering.

Water

Water sparingly once established, allowing soil to dry out.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, tolerant of poor fertility.

Temperature

Tolerant of a wide range, prefers temperate conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Generally does not require fertilization.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Biennials

Plant Height

30-80 cm

Spread

20-50 cm

Growth Rate

Moderate

Leaf Color

Gray-green

Leaf Type

Simple, entire

Flower Size

0.3-0.5 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

75000

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Alyssum incanum L.

Berteroa stricta Boiss. & Heldr.

Crucifera berteroa E.H.L.Krause

Draba chaeirifolia Bergeret

Draba cheiranthifolia Lam.

Draba cheirifolia Bergius ex DC.

Draba cheiriformis Lam.

Draba dasycarpa Bernh.

Farsetia incana (L.) W.T.Aiton

Moenchia incana (L.) Roth

Vesicaria incana (L.) Desv.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderBrassicales
familyBrassicaceae
genusBerteroa
speciesBerteroa incana

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 8/5

Edible

Toxic to horses, causing symptoms like swelling, laminitis, and fever if ingested in sufficient quantities. Not known to be toxic to humans.

Additional Care Tips

Requires minimal watering once established, tolerating dry conditions. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly drained soils. Young plants may need more consistent moisture to establish a strong root system.

Pruning is not typically required for this plant. If desired, spent flower stalks can be removed to prevent self-seeding, which is often a goal due to its invasive nature. This can also encourage a tidier appearance. Light trimming can be done to maintain shape or remove any damaged foliage, but avoid heavy pruning.

Primarily propagates by seed. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the ground in late summer or early autumn for germination the following spring. It readily self-seeds, which contributes to its spread. Division is not a common or effective method for this taprooted plant.

Not typically grown in pots or requiring repotting as it is an outdoor, often weedy, plant with a taproot system. If, for some reason, it were grown in a container, repotting would only be necessary if it outgrew its container, which is uncommon. Ensure good drainage if containerized.

FAQs

Is Hoary Alyssum toxic to animals?

Yes, Hoary Alyssum is known to be toxic to horses, causing a condition called 'hoary alyssum poisoning.' Symptoms can include swelling of the lower legs, laminitis, fever, and a reluctance to move. It is generally not considered toxic to humans.

How does Hoary Alyssum spread?

Hoary Alyssum primarily spreads through its prolific seed production. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds that are easily dispersed by wind, water, vehicles, and contaminated hay or soil. It readily self-seeds in disturbed areas.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Hoary Alyssum?

This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and can tolerate poor soil fertility, making it adaptable to various harsh environments.

How can I control Hoary Alyssum in my garden or field?

Control methods include manual removal (pulling or hoeing) before seed set, especially for small infestations. Mowing can reduce seed production but may not eliminate the plant. Herbicides can be effective, but proper timing and application are crucial. Preventing seed dispersal is key to long-term management.

What does Hoary Alyssum look like?

Hoary Alyssum is characterized by its upright stems and lance-shaped leaves, all covered in dense, star-shaped hairs that give the plant a distinctive silvery-gray or 'hoary' appearance. It produces numerous small, four-petaled white flowers in elongated clusters at the stem tips.

Care Requirements

Light

Requires full sun for best growth and flowering.

Water

Water sparingly once established, allowing soil to dry out.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, tolerant of poor fertility.

Temperature

Tolerant of a wide range, prefers temperate conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Generally does not require fertilization.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting