Small alison (Alyssum alyssoides, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1130 (1759))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1130 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alyssum

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. Europe to Medit. and C. Asia

Description

Small Alison, scientifically classified as Alyssum alyssoides, is a remarkable species within the extensive Brassicaceae family. First detailed in the tenth edition of Systema Naturae in 1759 by Carl Linnaeus, this plant boasts a significant pedigree in botanical literature. Linnaeus’s work, which has been pivotal in the realm of taxonomy, affirms the long-standing recognition and study that Small Alison has garnered over centuries.

Indigenous to areas stretching from Eastern and Central Europe down to the Mediterranean and extending through Central Asia, Small Alison exhibits a notable adaptability in diverse climatic and geographical conditions. Its widespread presence across these regions underscores its resilience and versatility as a plant species.

Characterized by its petite and delicate structure, Small Alison typically features clusters of small, bright flowers that are often yellow or occasionally white, contributing to its ornamental appeal. Beyond its aesthetic value, Alyssum alyssoides plays a vital role in its native ecosystems, supporting local biodiversity and acting as a source of nourishment for various pollinators.

In horticulture and gardening, the plant’s modest size and attractive blossoms make it a popular choice for ground cover, edging, and rock gardens. Its preference for well-drained soils and sunnier exposures aligns well with Mediterranean climates, although its hardiness allows it to thrive in a variety of locales.

Small Alison’s historical and botanical significance, combined with its ecological and decorative applications, positions it as a notable subject of study and admiration in both natural and cultivated environments.

Common Names

Fin: akantulikukka, kevätsyyläjuuri, käentulikukka
Dan: bleg kongelys, grådodder, uldbladet kongelys, vår-brunrod
Swe: grenigt kungsljus, vårflenört, grådådra, ölandskungsljus
Deu: kelch-steinkraut, steinkraut
Nor: mjølkongslys, vårbrunrot
Eng: pale madwort, small alison, small alyssum, pale alyssum, yellow alyssum
Fra: alysson calicinal, alysson à calices persistants, alysson faux alysson, alysson à calice persistant
Nld: bleek schildzaad
Lav: kausain
Est: tupp-kilbirohi
Cym: alyswm bach, cuddlin bach
Nob: grådodre
Nno: grådodre
En: Small alison, Pale madwort, Pale alyssum, Yellow alyssum, Small alyssum
Be: Бурачок чашачны
Bg: Игловръх
Ca: Herba de la ràbia
Zh: 欧洲庭荠
Cs: Tařice kališní, Tařinka kališní
Da: Grådodder, Bleg Kongelys, Uldbladet Kongelys, Vår-Brunrod
Nl: Bleek schildzaad
Et: Tupp-kilbirohi
Fi: Hietakilpiruoho, Kenttäkilpiruoho, Akantulikukka, Kevätsyyläjuuri, Käentulikukka
Fr: Alysson Calicinal, Alysson à calices persistants, Herbe de la Rage, Passerage faux alysson, Passerage à calices persistants, Alysson faux alysson, Alysson à calice persistant, Alysse à calices persistants, Passerage à calice persistant
De: Kelch-Steinkraut, Steinkraut, Gemeines Steinkraut, Kelch Steinkraut, Kelch-Steinkresse
It: Alisso annuo
Lv: Kausain
No: Mjølkongslys, Vårbrunrot
Nb: Grådodre
Nn: Grådodre
Pl: Smagliczka kielichowata
Pt-br: Alisso
Sk: Tarica kališná, Tarica kališnatá
Es: Aliaria, Hierba de la rabia, Hierba del ajo, Yerba de la rabia, Aliso alisoides
Sv: Grådådra, Grenigt kungsljus, Vårflenört, Ölandskungsljus
Cy: Alyswm Bach, Cuddlin Bach

Synonyms

• Crucifera alyssoides (E.H.L.Krause)
• Alyssum fontqueri (Sennen)
• Alyssum calycinum var. perdurans (Ullep.)
• Psilonema campestre ((L.) Schur)
• Alyssum sublineare (Jord.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. erraticum ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Clypeola minor (L.)
• Alyssum calicinum (Neck.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. virescens (Wallr.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. minimum (Mérat)
• Alyssum arvaticum (Jord.)
• Alyssum alsinifolium (Host)
• Alyssum ruderale (Jord.)
• Adyseton campestre ((L.) Moench)
• Alyssum alyssoides var. hispanicum (T.R.Dudley)
• Alyssum polyodon (Boiss. & Buhse)
• Alyssum calycinum var. ruderale ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Alyssum alyssoides f. albineum (Farw.)
• Adyseton calycinum (Scop.)
• Psilonema sabulosum (Fourr.)
• Clypeola alyssoides (L.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. genuinum (Pau)
• Alyssum calycinum var. virgatum (Timb.-Lagr.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. sublineare ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Alyssum rothmaleri (Galushko)
• Alyssum calycinum var. vagum ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Alyssum lusitanicum (Brot. ex Nyman)
• Alyssum alyssoides subsp. hispanicum ((T.R.Dudley) Rivas Mart. & Sánchez Mata)
• Crucifera calycina (E.H.L.Krause)
• Psilonema calycinum (C.A.Mey.)
• Moenchia campestris ((L.) Roth)
• Alyssum vagum (Jord.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. arvaticum ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Alyssum calycinum var. incanescens (Wallr.)
• Alyssum phymatocarpum (Schloss. & Vuk.)
• Alyssum schlosseri (Heuff. ex Schloss. & Vuk.)
• Alyssum erraticum (Jord.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. parisiense (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Clypeola calycina (All. ex Steud.)
• Psilonema vagum (Fourr.)
• Alyssum alyssoides var. vagum ((Jord.) Font Quer)
• Alyssum minus (Rothm.)
• Clypeola campestris (L.)
• Psilonema ruderale (Fourr.)
• Adyseton alyssoides ((L.) Nieuwl.)
• Alyssum conglobatum (Fil. & Jáv.)
• Adyseton mutabile (Moench)
• Alyssum sabulosum (Jord.)
• Alyssum calycinum var. sabulosum ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Alyssum calycinum f. prostrata (Pau)
• Alyssum calycinum (Haens. ex Nyman)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manchuria (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 2021 by jean-michel lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2021 by Anton Gjeldum (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2021 by arati harpaul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2019 by Colorado Natural (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2020 by Veronica Firpo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3044855)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:277314-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alyssum alyssoides (L.) L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]