#madwort

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) - worth beyond beauty

Walking around the garden, I hardly notice sweet alyssum, hidden as it is between the acanthus, flax and what’s left of the geraniums this time of year. But what a delight when I did turn a keener eye toward it: its tiny flower are adorable, and its scent reminiscent of the sweetest honey.

Upon researching this unassuming plant it became clear that I was not the only one who had written it off, but for good reason. Sweet alyssum thrives when left alone- it is edible, but not as delicious as its cousin: the mustard plant. It has little medicinal value, although it used to be believed it could cure rabies. That’s also where it got its name: the greek a for “not”, and lyssum for “madness”. It was even known as “madwort” for a good while.

A flower too lovely to ignore, but not useful enough to pay much attention to. Don’t be sad for the alyssum- it doesn’t ask for much, just a small space to grow where it can thrive in any condition.

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