Western wallflower

Western wallflower (Erysimum capitatum).  This appears on the high ground overlooking Wildcat Creek.  Erysimum capitatum is common in the western United States but Indiana is at the eastern edge of its range and is only present in a few places in this state.  It’s not known whether the western wallflower has been at Clegg Garden originally or whether it was planted here to develop the site as a gravel hill prairie.  Whether planted here or not, this is the habitat where it is found naturally.  Western wallflower can also be found growing naturally near the Wea Creek at Shadeland in Tippecanoe County.  This photo taken May 22, 2015.

Link to Erysimum capitatum:

Link to Erysimum capitatum in Ohio:

Link to FNA treatment of Erysimum capitatum:

Western wallflower is another example of the mustard plant family, and has the look of a typical Brassicaceae although without the weedy character that so many of our local Brassicaceae have.

Another view of Erysimum capitatum on the slope overlooking Wildcat Creek.  May 22, 2015.

Western wallflower along trail near Wildcat overlook, May 25, 2015.