Brassicaceae: Mustard Family — Wallflower
Douglas’ / Western Wallflower – Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum
Blooms:
Apr–July
Plant Height:
12–120 cm
Flower Size:
Large cluster
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Rocky slopes & hillsides away from the coast
Notes:
A tall plant, quite common and easily recognized with its bright orange (occasionally yellow) flowers. Leaves are long, slender and often toothed. Basal leaves are typically withered by blooming time. Fruits are siliques, spreading to ascending and 4-angled.
Menzies’ Wallflower – Erysimum menziesii
Blooms:
Jan–Aug
Plant Height:
2–25 cm
Flower Size:
Large cluster
Origin:
Native
Rare or endangered?
Yes – 1b.1
Habitat:
Coastal, fore- to mid-dunes
Notes:
This is a small plant with a rounded or slightly elongated head of bright yellow flowers on a short peduncle. Leaves are both basal and cauline, fleshy with rhomboid, spatulate leaves. A rare plant, most easily found in the grounds of Asilomar and in Spanish Bay and in Marina Dunes. Experts disagree as to whether the plants represent two separate varieties — var. menziesii for the Asilomar/Spanish Bay population (the 2 photos on the left) and var. yadonii for the Marina Dunes population (the 2 photos on the right).
