Alyssum maritimum, commonly known as Sweet Alison or Sweet Alyssum is in the Brassicaceae family. Alyssum maritimum is native to the Mediterranean and has the highest diversity of species here, it is also inherent to Asia; parts of Europe and Northern Africa. Rarely a short-lived perennial plant growing to a height of between 5cm to 30cm and has a spread of 20cm to 30 cm. The main stem has several branches with dense clusters of sweet-smelling small flowers, similar to honey. Flowers continue throughout the growing season, or all year-round in frost free areas. The dispersal of seed from the elongated seedpods, (each containing two seeds) are wind dependant.
Habitat… Common on sandy beaches and dunes, waste ground with good drainage, walls, slopes and cultivated fields. Prefers partial shade and is resistant to heat and drought.
Insects attracted to this wild flower can be seen in the images below...