Erysimum capitatum

(Western Wallflower)

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Erysimum capitatum, Weston Pass, Park Co. 0795

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Erysimum capitatum, Weston Pass, Park Co. 0802

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Erysimum capitatum, Gold Dust Trail, Park Co. 6912

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Erysimum capitatum, Sheep Park, Park Co. 4717

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Erysimum capitatum, Middle Swan Valley, Summit Co. 5886

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Erysimum capitatum, Loveland Pass, Summit Co. N2008

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Erysimum capitatum, Weston Pass, Park Co. 0804

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Erysimum capitatum, The Highlands, Breckenridge 4795

Scientific Name Erysimum capitatum USDA PLANTS Symbol ERCA14
Common Name Western Wallflower ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 22932
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to alpine (3500 to 13500 ft.); sandy, rocky, gravelly slopes, meadows, dunes.
Plant: Erect unbranched biennial or short-lived perennial 4 to 40 inches tall, usually shorter.
Leaves: Long, basal and stem leaves, blade spatulate to narrowly oblanceolate or linear, 3/4 to 7 inches long; grayish-green from very small hairs on surfaces; may have small teeth along edges; pointed tips. Basal leaves usually withered by flowering.
Inflorescence: Bright yellow to orange flowers in rounded clusters, each with 4 reflexed (bent backward) petals.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County