Alyssum (Alyssum simplex, J. Bot. (Schrader) 1799(2,2):290. 1800)

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: Rudolphi

Bibliography: J. Bot. (Schrader) 1799(2,2):290. 1800

Year: 1799

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alyssum

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Europe to Xinjiang

Description

Alyssum, scientifically known as Alyssum simplex, is a charming plant notable for its delicate and fragrant blossoms. This species was first detailed in 1800 in the renowned botanical journal “J. Bot. (Schrader)” by the botanist Rudolphi, where it notably appeared in volume 2, part 2, on page 290. Alyssum simplex belongs to the Brassicaceae family, a diverse and ecologically significant family of flowering plants.

Native to a broad geographical range, Alyssum simplex is found from Southern Europe stretching all the way to the varied landscapes of Xinjiang. Its adaptability across these regions speaks to the plant’s resilience and versatile growing habits. The flowers of Alyssum simplex are small but numerous, typically blooming in clusters that exude a sweet, honey-like fragrance, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a groundcover with aesthetic and olfactory appeal.

Alyssum is often favored for its ease of cultivation and its ability to thrive in various soil types, provided they are well-drained. This attribute, coupled with its resistance to drought, makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and hanging baskets where it can trail gracefully. The plant’s foliage is generally green to grey-green, with leaves that are simple in structure, offering a subtle backdrop that allows its delicate flowers to stand out.

Aside from its horticultural value, Alyssum simplex also contributes to the ecosystem by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus playing a role in the maintenance of biodiversity within its habitat.

In summary, Alyssum simplex is a versatile and elegant member of the Brassicaceae family that endears itself to gardeners and botanists alike through its fragrant blooms, ease of care, and ecological benefits. Its extensive native range, from Southern Europe to Xinjiang, underscores its adaptability and charm, making it a delightful addition to any garden or natural landscape.

Common Names

Eng: alyssum
Deu: kleines steinkraut
Swe: smådådra
En: Alyssum
De: Kleines Steinkraut
Sv: Smådådra

Synonyms

• Alyssum minus f. latifolium ((Vis.) Trinajstić)
• Alyssum minus var. mazandaranicum (Pakravan & Bolourian)
• Alyssum minus f. micranthum ((C.A.Mey.) Trinajstić)
• Alyssum parviflorum subsp. edentatum ((Maire) Galland)
• Alyssum parviflorum var. micranthum ((C.A.Mey.) Dorn)
• Alyssum campestre var. micropetalum (Boiss.)
• Alyssum montanum var. edentulum ((Andr.) Maire)
• Alyssum campestre var. emarginatum (Andr.)
• Alyssum minus var. micranthum ((C.A.Mey.) T.R.Dudley)
• Alyssum amoris (Coincy)
• Alyssum campestre var. micranthum ((C.A.Mey.) Boiss.)
• Alyssum micropetalum var. procumbens (DC.)
• Alyssum campestre var. genuinum (Boiss.)
• Alyssum latifolium (Vis.)
• Alyssum campestre var. edentulum (Andr.)
• Alyssum parviflorum var. edentatum (Maire)
• Alyssum campestre var. nanum ((Pomel) Batt.)
• Alyssum campestre var. simplex ((Rudolphi) Willd.)
• Alyssum campestre var. minus (Rouy)
• Alyssum nanum (Pomel)
• Alyssum campestre var. nadorense (Sennen)
• Alyssum micranthum (C.A.Mey.)
• Alyssum simplex subsp. edentulum ((Andr.) Galland)
• Alyssum minus subsp. micranthum ((C.A.Mey.) Breistr.)
• Alyssum campestre subsp. collinum ((Brot.) Samp.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Arizona (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by Romero Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by Romero Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3045042)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:277791-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alyssum simplex Rudolph)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth