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Lobularia maritima - (L.)Desv.

Common Name Sweet Alyssum
Family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry sunny places in the Mediterranean[50]. Grows by the coast in Britain[17].
Range Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Lobularia maritima Sweet Alyssum


http://www.flickr.com/photos/28747427@N08/3557069668/
Lobularia maritima Sweet Alyssum
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lobularia_maritima.jpg

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Lobularia maritima is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Alyssum maritimum. Clypeola maritima.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The young leaves, stems and flowers are sometimes used as a flavouring in salads and other dishes where pungency is required[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiscorbutic  Astringent  Diuretic

The plant is commonly used in Spain as an antiscorbutic and diuretic[240]. It is also highly esteemed there as an astringent in the treatment of gonorrhoea[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Seashore. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position[200]. Succeeds in sandy soils[188]. Grows well on dry walls[1]. Tolerates maritime conditions[200]. Although a short-lived perennial, it soon loses its compact habit if grown for more than one year and so is usually grown as an annual plant in gardens[245]. A very ornamental plant, there are several named forms developed for their ornamental value. This species usually self-sows in the garden if growing in a good position[1]. A fast-growing plant[188], it makes a good edging to a plant bed[245]. The forms of this species with white flowers have the refreshing scent of new-mown hay - flowers of other colours having little or no scent[245]. A good bee and butterfly plant[17, 30]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Naturalizing, Fragrant flowers.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - it can be sown in situ during mid to late spring and should germinate within 2 weeks[200]. Seedlings can be transplanted. In order to obtain an earlier display of the flowers, the seed can be sown in a greenhouse in late winter. When large enough to handle, the seedlings are pricked out into individual pots and are then planted out in late spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Globularia vulgaris Perennial0.2 5-9  LMNDM01 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Desv.

Botanical References

1750200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   Thu Dec 30 07:24:22 2004

This plant is found in Malta/Mediterranean basin/Europe

More comprehensive details, medicinal properties, uses, botanical data, plant description and photogallery of high resolutions photos of this plant can be seen on an interesting website about the wild plants of Malta: www.maltawildplants.com

Link: Malta Wild Plants Website and photography by Stephen Mifsud, Malta.

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