Desert madwort (Alyssum desertorum)

Desert madwort

Desert madwort (Alyssum desertorum) is an herb indigenous to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It was introduced to North America, where it has become a weed in disturbed areas. In its non-native range, desert madwort out-competes native plants, including species that are threatened or endangered.

Scientific classification

Species

Desert madwort (Alyssum desertorum)

Mustards, capers, and allies

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Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

20 cm

Plant Height

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 mm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Desert madwort

Distribution of Desert madwort

Distribution Map

Desert madwort is indigenous to vast stretches spanning from deserts in Central Asia and the Middle East to regions in the East Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. This species has also established itself in parts of Northern Europe, where it is an introduced species. The robustness of desert madwort allows for survival and spread in a variety of temperate climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Deserts, rocky areas, disturbed sites, roadsides, fields, meadows, sagebrush flats

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Desert madwort

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Desert madwort thrives in arid environments, exhibiting high drought tolerance. It requires minimal moisture, ideally watered weekly to replicate its native habitat. With adaptations for rapid drainage, desert madwort is suited for container gardening, especially where overwatering is a concern.

Fertilize: Desert madwort benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, using high-nitrogen blends monthly during spring/summer and reducing application in fall/winter. Always adhere to label rates to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm desert madwort. Water the soil before application to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Desert madwort features a low-growing, mat-forming habit with small yellow flowers. Prune in early to late spring to foster dense growth and prolific blooms. Use sharp tools to prevent damage, and regularly maintain to control size and enhance aesthetics.

Propagation: Desert madwort thrives in arid conditions and prefers propagation through sowing in well-drained substrate. Surface sow seeds, as light aids germination. Maintain gentle moisture without saturation, as desert madwort germinates under favorable conditions and adapts to dry environments once established.

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