Alyssum desertorum
Desert alyssum
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Alyssum desertorum (Desert alyssum) is a non-native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by (A. simplex). Key differences: smaller stature, early-deciduous sepals, glabrous fruits.
Desert alyssum is a naturalized perennial found in southern central California interior ranges and Modoc Plateau in disturbed areas and rocky sagebrush flats at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces light yellow flowers with small petals 2 to 2.5 millimeters long. Growing with ascending to erect stems 10 to 28 centimeters tall, it develops a distinctive stellate (star-shaped) hair covering on its stems and leaves. Its small leaves are covered with appressed stellate hairs, giving the plant a soft, gray-green appearance. The fruit is round and shallow-notched, measuring 2.5 to 4 millimeters long with tiny ovate seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (A. simplex). Key differences: smaller stature, early-deciduous sepals, glabrous fruits.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas, rocky sagebrush flats
Elevation: 1000-1500 m
California counties: Modoc, San Bernardino, Siskiyou, Tehama, Shasta, Lassen, Butte, San Benito
Outside California: to Washington, Nebraska, native to Europe, central Asia
Bloom period
Alyssum desertorum blooms Apr-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 desertorum native to California?
No. Alyssum desertorum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Alyssum desertorum bloom?
Alyssum desertorum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Alyssum desertorum grow?
Alyssum desertorum occurs in Modoc, San Bernardino, Siskiyou, Tehama, Shasta, Lassen, Butte, San Benito, at elevations of 1000-1500 m.
What plant family does Alyssum desertorum belong to?
Alyssum desertorum is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Alyssum.
What habitat does Alyssum desertorum grow in?
Alyssum desertorum grows in Disturbed areas, rocky sagebrush flats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.