Western Wallflower
Erysimum spp.
Family: Mustard (Brassicaceae; old, Cruciferae)
Habitat: dry, forest shade; grows apart from other flowers
Characteristics: Leaves are narrow, alternate along the stem. Basal leaves are toothed. The orange to yellow flowers grow in a compact terminal raceme. Each flower consists of four petals, forming seed pods when finished blooming.
Blooms: May through August; LV, RV, TV
Comments: Wallflower was used by early herbalists for treating toothaches, headaches and sunburn.
Photo: © Colin Barrows