Small Alison
Alyssum alyssoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Small Alison (Alyssum alyssoides) 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
4"–12" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
NE
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Small alison is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms compact mats of small, narrow leaves topped with tiny white flower clusters in spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and poor soils, making it useful for challenging growing conditions. It completes its lifecycle quickly, typically finishing by midsummer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small Alison 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.
- Very small flowers may appear weedy to HOAs
- Dies back completely by midsummer leaving gaps
- Annual nature requires replanting or creates bare patches
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides early season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Small Alison need?
- Small Alison grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Small Alison bloom?
- Small Alison blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Small Alison native?
- Small Alison (Alyssum alyssoides) is native to NE, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Small Alison toxic to dogs?
- Small Alison is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Small Alison toxic to cats?
- Small Alison is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Small Alison attract?
- Small Alison draws bees and beetles.
- Is Small Alison HOA-friendly?
- Small Alison 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 Small Alison? 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