(Lobularia maritima; Alyssum maritimum of some authorities), low, short-lived perennial herb of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to the Mediterranean region. Sweet alyssum is widely grown for its honey-sweet, small, clustered, white, four-petaled flowers. There are horticultural forms with lavender, pink, or purple flowers. The narrow, gray-green leaves are untoothed and usually bear many silvery hairs. The flowering stalks rise to 30 cm (1 foot), with the small, round seedpods developing on the stems below the flower heads.