WSU Clark County Extension
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Basket of Gold

Scientific name: Aurinia saxatilis
Taxonomy
Family:Brassicaeae
Type:Groundcovers Herbaceus
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:1 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Basket of Gold is best known for its dense showing of iridescent lemon-yellow flowers that cover the non-descript foliage beneath. Often referred to as yellow alyssum.

  Morphology:
Basket-of-gold is a low-growing, spreading herbaceous groundcover that grows 1’ tall and 2’ wide. It bears grayish green leaves which have white hairy leaves on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. Leaves are 2”-5” long and up to one-half inch wide.

During May though June a profusion of bright yellow blossoms appear. Flowers are arranged in corymbose panicles which are held above the foliage. During the peak of flowering the plant appears as a sprawling mass of golden vegetation.

  Adaptation:
This species is classified as drought tolerant. It prefers full sun. Landscape designers often place it in a rock garden where it is allowed to cascade down dry stone walls. Soil pH does not seem to alter its growth habit.

  Pests:
Pest free in the Northwest.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234