Berteroa incana aka Hoary Alison

Taxonomy

Genus Berteroa Family Brassicaceae Order Brassicales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Berteroa incana, also known as hoary alyssum, false hoary madwort, hoary berteroa, and hoary alison, is a biennial herb that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. The plant is native to Eurasia but has been introduced to western Europe and North America. It is often grown as an ornamental in Finland due to its unique grey colouring, which comes from the stellate hairs that cover the plant. These hairs help the plant to survive in dry climates by retaining raindrops and dewdrops and reducing evaporation. Despite its drab appearance, hoary alison blooms for a long time into summer and its seeds do not fall until winter. While it is a perennial or annual wildflower in the mustard family, it has been listed as an invasive noxious weed in some areas of the United States and Canada. Hoary alyssum has white blooms that appear in clusters from mid-spring to early fall and is found in much of the USA except for the southern states. It is often found in dry disturbed areas and can be weedy.

Common names

Hoary Alison, Hoary False Madwort, Hoary Alyssum, False Hoary Madwort, Hoary Berteroa

How to care for Hoary Alison

Difficulty

Hoary Alison is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Hoary Alison should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hoary Alison loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Hoary Alison requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Hoary Berteroa will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Hoary Alison is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

More info:
Wikipedia

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