Alyssum Carpet Of Snow Scientific Name. Alyssum maritimum is a species of low growing flowering plant in the family brassicaceae its common name is sweet alyssum or sweet alison also commonly referred to as just alyssum from the genus alyssum in which it was formerly classified. Sweet alyssum is a delicate carpet of tiny flowers with a subtle sweet scent. The low growing foliage covers the ground with tiny cross shaped four petal flowers for much of the growing season.
Alyssum is native to southern europe france portugal spain italy albania and greece northern africa northern algeria egypt northern libya morocco and tunisia the azores the madeira islands and the canary islands. Sweet alyssum is low lying averaging about 6 inches tall but ranging from 2 to 12 inches in height.
Variety or cultivar carpet of snow carpet of snow is a compact mat forming annual with green leaves smothered in tiny white softly scented flowers in summer until the frost.
Alyssum lobularia maritima is regarded as an emerging environmental weed in tasmania and as a potential environmental weed in other parts of southern australia. The name alyssum comes from the greek without madness the name stuck. The low growing foliage covers the ground with tiny cross shaped four petal flowers for much of the growing season. Variety or cultivar carpet of snow carpet of snow is a compact mat forming annual with green leaves smothered in tiny white softly scented flowers in summer until the frost.
