Western Wallflower
Erysimum capitatumHeight: Usually 1 to 3 feet tall
Habitat: Open woods, meadows, rocky slopes, and desert margins
Elevation: Grows from low elevations up to around 10,000 feet
Courtesy NPS
Range: Found widely across western North America—from California and the Mojave Desert to the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Canada
Description:
Western Wallflower is a tall, upright wildflower with clusters of bright yellow to orange flowers at the top of its stems. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and the plant can be either annual or biennial depending on the conditions. It’s part of the mustard family.
Uses:
While not heavily used for medicine or food, it supports pollinators—especially butterflies and bees—and plays a role in native plant communities. It’s also appreciated for its striking springtime color in wildflower displays.
Note:
Despite the name “wallflower,” this plant stands out wherever it grows. Hardy and adaptable, it can handle a range of environments—from desert edges to high mountain meadows.