Alyssum wulfenianum

Alyssum wulfenianum, the madwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to the southeastern Alps. Preferring dry, porous soils, it is hardy in USDA zones four through nine. There is a cultivar, 'Golden Spring'.

Characteristics

The size of the plant can vary between and. The leaves range in color from brown to a dark green. Flowers of the plant are typically bright yellow and have four petals. Soil that contains Alyssum wulfenianum has been shown to have increased zinc and lead as a result of the plant. It has a flowering period in the summer between May and June, and usually lacks hair on its stems. It was named after Austrian botanist and mineralogist Franz Xaver von Wulfan due to his research in the area.

Subtaxa

The following subspecies are accepted:

Alyssum wulfenianum subsp. ovirense – southeastern Alps
Alyssum wulfenianum subsp. wulfenianum – southeastern Alps