Hoary Alyssum

Hoary Alyssum
(Berteroa incana)
Priority: - Contain
Tags: Terrestrial | Toxic
Identification and Reproduction
Identification
- Annual to short-lived perennial, up to 80 cm tall.
- Grows from a taproot
- Stems are covered in hairs and branch from the base.
- Leaves are greenish-grey, slender with round tips and arranged alternately. Leaves will decrease in size moving closer to the stem tip.
- Can over-winter as a rosette, then emerge again in spring
- Flowers are found in small white clusters near the stem tips. They are composed of 4 small white petals that are each notched.
- Seedpods are oval-shaped, have 5-7 black seeds
Reproduction
Seeds spread by people, equipment, and wildlife.
Habitat & Ecology
- Establishes in sandy, gravelly soils, and pastures.
- Long seed production season.
Impacts
- Invades forage and rangeland.
- Toxic, harmful to horses, which can be very problematic.
Management
Mechanical/Manual Control:
- When infestations are small hand pulling is effective. Note that entire root crown must be removed.
- Burning of mature plants has proven to destroy seeds.
- Avoiding mowing mature plants as roots will persist and regrow.
Resources
Download A Guide to Weeds in British Columbia for Hoary Alyssum here.
Header photo (Molekuel).
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