Desert Madwort
Alyssum desertorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Desert Madwort (Alyssum desertorum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
3"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Desert madwort is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small mats of gray-green foliage topped with clusters of tiny white or yellow flowers. It thrives in dry conditions and blooms from April through June, then dies back completely by midsummer. This plant works well as temporary ground cover or filler in rock gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert Madwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Dies back completely by midsummer leaving bare spots
- Can self-seed unpredictably
- May appear weedy or unkempt to HOA boards
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides nectar during a critical early season period when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Desert Madwort need?
- Desert Madwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Desert Madwort bloom?
- Desert Madwort blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Desert Madwort native?
- Desert Madwort (Alyssum desertorum) is native to MT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Desert Madwort toxic to dogs?
- Desert Madwort is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Desert Madwort toxic to cats?
- Desert Madwort is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Desert Madwort attract?
- Desert Madwort draws bees and beetles.
- Is Desert Madwort HOA-friendly?
- Desert Madwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Desert Madwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz