American Alyssum
ExplorePlants
American Alyssum
odontarrhena obovata
The American Alyssum (Odontarrhena obovata) is a resilient, low-growing perennial herb belonging to the mustard family. This hardy species is adapted to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth, such as subalpine and alpine tundra, rocky mountain slopes, and metal-rich serpentine barrens. Its ability to colonize barren soils and survive freezing temperatures makes it an important pioneer species in northern latitudes, helping to stabilize gravelly substrates and initiate soil development.
Habitat: Found on rocky slopes, gravelly scree, alpine tundra, and serpentine soils in cold temperate and arctic regions.
Appearance
American Alyssum forms low, spreading cushions or mats of woody-based stems reaching 5 to 20 centimeters in height. Its small, paddle-shaped (obovate) leaves are covered in a dense layer of tiny, silvery, star-shaped hairs, giving the foliage a distinct grayish-green or dusty appearance. In mid-summer, it produces dense, rounded clusters of tiny, bright yellow flowers, each featuring the characteristic four petals of the mustard family.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyBrassicaceaeGenusOdontarrhena
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The genus name Odontarrhena translates to 'toothed male' in Greek, referring to the characteristic shape of the filaments in the stamens of some species.
The silvery hairs that cover its leaves are so dense that they can make the entire plant look frosted even on warm summer days.
This plant is used by scientists in phytoremediation studies to explore how plants can clean up heavy-metal-polluted industrial soils.
Special abilities
Ability
Nickel Hyperaccumulation
It can safely absorb and store high concentrations of toxic heavy metals, particularly nickel, from serpentine soils in its tissues.
Ability
Stellate Hair Shield
Its leaves are densely covered in star-shaped hairs that reflect excess solar radiation and reduce water loss from dry winds.
Ability
Frost Resistance
It produces specialized proteins and sugars that act as natural antifreeze, protecting its cellular structure during sudden freezes.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.1 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
- Incubation
- 14-30 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotroph, this plant produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
Caterpillars feed on the foliage of this plant as a primary food source.
mutualism
Arctic Bumblebee
Bombus polaris
Provides vital nectar and pollen during the short arctic summer.
competitor
Moss Campion
Silene acaulis
Competes for space and sparse nutrients in dry alpine gravel soils.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify American Alyssum?
The easiest way to identify American Alyssum is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is American Alyssum?
5-20 cm
How much does American Alyssum weigh?
0.01-0.1 kg
How long does American Alyssum live?
3-10 years
What does American Alyssum eat?
As a photoautotroph, this plant produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots.
Where is American Alyssum usually found?
Found on rocky slopes, gravelly scree, alpine tundra, and serpentine soils in cold temperate and arctic regions.
How long do American Alyssum eggs take to hatch?
14-30 days
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