Coastal Wallflower, Sanddune wallflower, Contra Costa wallflower, San Luis Obispo wallflower, Pursh'
Erysimum capitatum

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Erysimum capitatum is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Found in many habitats from southern British Columbia to California at 750 - 3600 metres. Open dry flats and hillsides, from the lowest valleys to about 3,000 metres in the mountains.

Western N. America - British Columbia to Indiana, south to Texas and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

A preventative against sun burn, the plant was ground up then mixed with water and applied to the skin. It relieves the pain caused by overexposure to heat. A poultice of the whole pounded plant has been applied to open fresh wounds and rheumatic joints. An infusion of the whole plant has been used as a wash on aching muscles. The crushed leaves have been sniffed as a treatment for headaches. A poultice of the warmed root has been applied to treat the pain of toothache. An infusion of the crushed seed has been drunk and used externally in the treatment of stomach or bowel cramps.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Dislikes acid soils. Tolerates poor soils. Grows well on a sunny wall and is indeed longer lived in such a position. A polymorphic species, it is possibly a form of E. asperum.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in an outdoor seedbed. Germination usually takes place within 3 weeks. Plant the seedlings into their permanent positions when they are large enough to handle. If seed is in short supply, it can be sown in spring in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. asperum. (Nutt.)DC. Cheiranthus capitatus.