ALYSSUM 



(The classical Greek 



perhaps signifying "curing blindness") 



Crucifera 



139. Alyssum saxatile, var. compactum 

 English Names: Rock Madwort, Golden Tuft, Basket of Gold. 



APRIL AND MAY 



SMALL, fragrant, golden-yellow flowers in compact clusters profusely 

 borne on low, leafy, spreading stems, woody at the base, less than a 

 foot high. Leaves small and rather slender, silvery and persistent, form- 

 ing a compact spreading 

 mat. Excellent for edg- 

 ing the herbaceous border 

 or for the rock garden, on 

 account of its neat habit 

 and the brilHant sheet of 

 color it forms in early 

 spring. Good also for 

 cutting. If the flower 

 stems are cut back after 

 blooming, a second crop 

 of blossoms may be ex- 

 pected late in the fall or 

 even after frost. 



A perfectly hardy per- 

 ennial of easiest culture, 

 prefers well-drained soil 

 and a sunny situation; 

 succeeds in very dry 

 places. 



Propagate by seed, 

 cuttings, or by division. 



Var. variegdtum has 

 variegated foHage but is 

 not so good as var. com- 

 pdctum. 



H 



