Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Erysimum capitatum is a species of wallflower known commonly as the sanddune wallflower, western wallflower, or prairie rocket. It is a mustard-like plant with thin, erect stems growing from a basal rosette and topped with dense bunches of variably colored flowers. Flowers are most typically bright golden, yellow, tangerine-colored, but plants in some populations may have red, white or purple flowers. Each flower has four flat petals. Seed pods are nearly-parallel to the stem. Although quite variable in appearance, it is an attractive garden plant. There are several natural variants of this plant. Each is treated separately, with certain variants considered endangered species in some areas. For example Erysimum capitatum var angustatum, the Contra Costa wallflower, is an endangered plant in the state of California.

Plant type

Annual herb, Perennial herb

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Color

Yellow, White, Purple, Red

Flowering season

Spring, Summer

Sun

Partial Shade

Ease of care

Moderate

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium

Soil description

Prefers beach sand but tolerates garden soil.

Plant communities

Chaparral, Coastal Strand, Foothill Woodland, Joshua Tree Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest

Hummingbirds
Bees
Butterflies

Pollinators supported

12 confirmed and 115 likely

  • Likely

  • Confirmed

Purple Miner Bee

Andrena prunorum

Coronis Fritillary

Argynnis coronis

Bramble Green Hairstreak

Callophrys dumetorum

Propertius Duskywing

Erynnis propertius

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Cucumbers

Cucumis sativus

Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum

Daikon

Raphanus sativus

Apricots

Prunus armeniaca