Pronounced (approximate): ber-TER-oh-ah in-KAY-nah
Four white petals are deeply split, appearing like eight. Small flowers cluster near the tips of upright stems.
Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Brassicaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms April – October
Height 1 to 3 feet
Habitat part shade, sun; dry fields, along roads, disturbed soil
Common names: Hoary Alyssum
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; dry fields, along roads, disturbed soil. Flowering season: April – October.
Compare the deeply divided petals and gray foliage with other small white-flowered mustards.
Four white petals are deeply split, appearing like eight.
Small flowers cluster near the tips of upright stems.
Fine branched hairs give the foliage a grayish cast. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
8 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Introduced in North America; native to Europe.
Reported U.S. distribution
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Hoary Alyssum in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.