Alyssum alyssoides
Pale alyssum
(c) Alison Northup, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alison Northup · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Alyssum alyssoides (Pale alyssum) is a non-native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by persistent sepals and cream/white flowers.
Pale alyssum is a naturalized perennial found in eastern Klamath Ranges and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in disturbed areas, flats, ledges, and bluffs at elevations below 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces cream to white flowers that are small and linear to narrowly oblanceolate, measuring 2 to 3 millimeters long. Growing with decumbent to erect stems 20 to 35 centimeters tall, the plant is characterized by distinctive stellate hairs that are mostly appressed with some spreading simple hairs. Its leaves and stems are covered in a mix of star-shaped and simple hairs, giving the plant a soft, textured appearance. The small round fruits are 3 to 4 millimeters long, slightly bulged over the seed, and covered in fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated, no sympatric species. Distinguished by persistent sepals and cream/white flowers.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas, flats, ledges, bluffs
Elevation: < 1800 m
Outside California: native to Europe, southwestern Asia, northern Africa
Bloom period
Alyssum alyssoides blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Lepidium: Alyssum has yellow flowers and star-shaped hairs; Lepidium has white flowers and simple hairs, pods often notched at tip.; vs Lobularia: Alyssum has yellow flowers and star-shaped hairs; Lobularia has white/purple flowers and distinctive two-pronged fork-like hairs.; vs Dithyrea: Alyssum has tiny yellow petals (1.5-4mm); Dithyrea has huge white petals (10-15mm) and spectacle-shaped fruits.; vs Euclidium: Alyssum fruits are flat and disc-like when developing; Euclidium fruits are plump and three-dimensional from the start.; vs Aubrieta: Alyssum is annual with short style (under 2mm); Aubrieta is perennial with very long style (4-12mm).
Frequently asked questions
Is Alyssum alyssoides native to California?
No. Alyssum alyssoides is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Alyssum alyssoides bloom?
Alyssum alyssoides blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Alyssum alyssoides belong to?
Alyssum alyssoides is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Alyssum.
What habitat does Alyssum alyssoides grow in?
Alyssum alyssoides grows in Disturbed areas, flats, ledges, bluffs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.