Berteroa, commonly called the false madworts, is a small genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae (the mustard or cabbage family) within the order Brassicales. The genus is native to temperate Eurasia, where its members grow across grasslands, disturbed ground, roadsides, and other open habitats typical of the region.
Six species are currently accepted within the genus. The best-known member is Berteroa incana, hoary alyssum, a widespread and often weedy species that has naturalised well beyond its original Eurasian range and is considered an invasive weed in parts of North America, where it can be toxic to horses. Other accepted species include Berteroa orbiculata, Berteroa mutabilis, Berteroa obliqua, Berteroa gintlii, and Berteroa physocarpa. Like other members of Brassicaceae, berteroas bear small four-petalled flowers and produce characteristic silicles (short seed pods) — the rounded pod of B. orbiculata being especially distinctive.
Distribution
Berteroa is native to temperate Eurasia. Several species, most notably Berteroa incana (hoary alyssum), have spread as introduced weeds into North America and other regions outside their native range.
