(Berteroa incana)
Description
- Native to east-central Europe and western Asia.
- Annual or short-lived perennial.
- In the Mustard family.
- Has white flowers with notched petals.
- Multiple stalks arise from the base of the plant.
- Grows well on sandy and/or gravelly soils and dry disturbed open sites.
- Found throughout the CKISS region.
Introduction and Spread
- Reproduces by seed, each plant produces many seeds.
- Seeds can be spread on vehicles, boots, clothing, equipment or by animals, wind and water.
Status in the CKISS Region
- Hoary alyssum is classified as Contain on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
- It is considered Established in the Creston Invasive Plant Management Area (IPMA).
- Hoary alyssum is less prevalent in the Kaslo IPMA, so it is classified as Eradicate/Annual Control in that area.
- In the rest of the CKISS region, efforts are made to Contain hoary alyssum and limit it’s distribution.
- To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.
Consequences of invasion
- Invades rangelands and pastures, impacting livestock.
- Infestations can reduce hay quality and value.
Integrated Pest Management options
- Prevent establishment through appropriate range management practices, limiting soil disturbance and encouraging healthy native plant populations.
- Small populations can be addressed by pulling the plants before seeds have set.
- Mowing the plants to can help to reduce seed production but will not eliminate the population.