lilacbush
Aubrieta Adans.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
Aubrieta forms low perennial tufts or loose cushions, with slender stems branching near the base. Small leaves gather in basal rosettes and continue along the stems. Its surface covering is more intricate than it first appears: star-shaped hairs mingle with forked and simple hairs, creating a varied texture under magnification. Flora of North America: Aubrieta
Botanical name
The cited taxonomic authority accepts Aubrieta Adans at genus rank. Kew POWO: Aubrieta Adans.
Recognizing the plant
The flowers reveal its place in the mustard family. Purple or violet petals are usual, with white or pink occurring less often. The erect sepals include a lateral pair with small pouches at their bases. Six stamens stand within the flower, four longer than the other two. As the racemes lengthen, blossoms give way to slender or occasionally shorter pods. Each pod valve has a distinct central vein, and the style remains attached at the tip. Inside, flattened, wingless seeds are arranged in two rows. Leaf edges can be smooth or toothed, varying among the species. Flora of North America: Aubrieta
Native range
The genus is native from southeastern Europe toward Iran, with particular diversity around Greece and Turkey. Kew POWO: Aubrieta Adans.Flora of North America: Aubrieta
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.