Great as a gift 🌸
Hoary Alyssum
Berteroa incana · Brassicaceae
How it looks
Hoary alyssum is an herb with small, oval gray-green leaves arranged alternately along the stem and small white four-petaled flowers clustered at the branch tips. The stems and leaves are covered with downy hairs, giving a grayish cast. Height 12–24 in (30–60 cm).
Hoary Alyssum is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Berteroa incana
- Common name
- Hoary Alyssum
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Brassicaceae
Other safe flowers
Related guides
7 Cat-Safe Flowers to Give a Cat Owner
Want to give flowers to a friend or family member who has a cat? Here are 7 flowers that are both beautiful and safe for cats.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.
