Candytuft

Candytuft, the familiar name for various species of Iberis, forming a genus of the order Crucifere, popularly distinguished by unequal petals, the two larger being towards the circumference of the dense corymbs. The species are chiefly found in the Mediterranean countries, and the English name is supposed to be derived from that of the island of Candia (Crete), the name Iberis from Iberia (Spain). One species, I. amara, remarkable for its bitterness, is a doubtful native of England. Some species are slightly shrubby, some are herbaceous perennials, some annuals. Some are among the most familiar ornaments of our flower-gardens.