Hoary Alyssum

Berteroa incana

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Berteroa
Species:
Berteroa incana
USDA Symbol:
BEIN2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black and (Bombus auricomus), Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Half-black bumble (Bombus vagans), Northern amber (Bombus borealis), Red-belted bumble (Bombus rufocinctus), 🛑Rusty-patched bumble (Bombus affinis), Yellow bumble (Bombus fervidus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, open habitats like roadsides and fields

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow and keep moist.