The Magi's Garden : Alyssum

Alyssum (Alyssum spp)
Folk Names: Alison, Basket of Gold, Madwort; As Golden Tuft, Gold Dust, Basket of Gold, Rock Madwort

Description: Alyssum is a perennial (or annual when grown in Eastern US) of the Crucifer (mustard) family. The tallest specimens are never more than a foot tall. The numerous stems are weak, often reclining on the ground. The main stem appears five sided and is about a tenth of an inch thick. It possesses a small, slender taproot, off white to tan in color. Alyssum is an early spring bloomer with grayish foliage. The leaves are linear and lanceolate, one-half to one and one-half inches long and one-eighth to three-sixteenths wide. They are arranged alternate to nearly opposite. Though at first glance the leaves appear smooth, careful observation with a magnifying glass reveals minute white hairs. Like most plants of the mustard family, alyssum has abundant flowers. They are characteristic of the mustard family in that they possess four petals, four sepals, six stamens (four long, two short), and one pistil. The flowers may be white or sometimes lavender. These produces a two-celled pod often referred to as a pouch. Though seeds do not always develop, those that do resemble mustard seed.

Effects: strong
Planet: Mercury
Element: water
Associated Deities:

Traditions:
The name Alyssum comes from the Greek “a” meaning without and “lussa” meaning madness. It was used as an old remedy for hydrophobia, one of the symptoms of rabies.

Magic:
A sprig of alyssum may be worn to prevent people from getting angry with you. It can also be held in the hand or carried on the body to calm anger. It has been used as an amulet to deter hexes and hung in houses to protect from fascination and glamours.

Known Combinations:
none noted

Medical Indications: Parts Used :
none noted

Nutrition:
The blossoms, leaves, and young stems may be added to salads. The flowers possess a mild watercress flavor. The leaves, young stems, and flowers may also be added to omelets, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes.

Mercantile Uses:
Aside from its use as an ornamental garden plant, Alyssum has no mercantile use.