Western Wallflower
Erysimum capitatum
Also listed as Cheiranthus asper, Cheiranthus capitatus
Also known as Prairie Rocket, Sand-dune Wallflower, Prairie-rocket Wallflower
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Wallflower grows in your area.
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Western Wallflower is a charming perennial native to the western United States that produces fragrant clusters of yellow, orange, or red flowers atop upright stems. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and xeriscape plantings.
Why grow it
Western Wallflower offers reliable spring to early summer bloom in arid and semi-arid climates where many perennials struggle. Compared to related Erysimum species, it tolerates poor, well-drained soils better than most ornamentals and requires minimal water once established, making it a practical choice for water-conscious landscapes. Its long flowering period and self-seeding tendency can provide sustained color with minimal maintenance, though this requires accepting some volunteer seedlings.
Watch out for
In areas with high humidity or poor drainage, plants are prone to root rot and fungal issues, so site selection and soil amendment are critical to success. Established plants may decline after several years, which is typical for wallflowers; plan for periodic replacement or allow natural reseeding to sustain the planting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Western Wallflower is a charming perennial native to the western United States that produces fragrant clusters of yellow, orange, or red flowers atop upright stems. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and xeriscape plantings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Wallflower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western Wallflower offers reliable spring to early summer bloom in arid and semi-arid climates where many perennials struggle. Compared to related Erysimum species, it tolerates poor, well-drained soils better than most ornamentals and requires minimal water once established, making it a practical choice for water-conscious landscapes. Its long flowering period and self-seeding tendency can provide sustained color with minimal maintenance, though this requires accepting some volunteer seedlings.
Watch out for
In areas with high humidity or poor drainage, plants are prone to root rot and fungal issues, so site selection and soil amendment are critical to success. Established plants may decline after several years, which is typical for wallflowers; plan for periodic replacement or allow natural reseeding to sustain the planting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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