Erysimum capitatum

Foothill wallflower is a fragrant perennial (often biennial) that usually grows to a height of 1-2', but can reach a size of 2' wide by 3' tall showing 25+ flower sprays. This short lived or biennial plant will re-sow and replace the mother plants. The fragrant flowers range in color from yellow to orange and appear is tight racemes or panicles with a long succession of bloom lasting from March - July, or longer with water. This species can be found across North America, but some variants have an extremely narrow distribution, especially in CA Erysimum capitatum var angustatum, the Contra Costa wallflower, is an endangered plant in the state of California. Infusion of crushed seeds used for stomach or bowel cramps. Whole plant used as a ceremonial emetic. Found in bluffs and rocky open ground. Communitites located in Coastal Strand, Yellow Pine/Red Fir/Lodgepole/Subalpine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Joshua Tree Woodland Between 0 and 13,123 feet .

The strikingly orange flower clusters & sweet delicious wall flower scent trigger memories of Spring hikes in California. A real find for rock & native gardens, the Western Wallflower flowers March through July, longer with irrigation. From a basal rosette the delicate stems rise up to 2’ & they usually branch well. At each tip there will be heads of flowers & after sniffing & enjoying them, we recommend that you let the flowers go to seed before cutting them off. They will re-sow & replace the mother plants which are biennials or short-lived perennials. Plant in full sun to light shade & preferably in lean soil. Western Wallflower may drop its leaves during the dry season, but the leaves will come back with rain or Summer irrigation.