Sand Dune Wallflower
Western Wallflower
Erysimum capitatum
Observed on a sandy embankment along Workman Creek, Sierra Ancha, Gila Co., Arizona, USA. 1 June 2014.
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FLOWERS:
Bright orange to yellow flowers with four large petals
and a conspicuous stigma rising above the floral center. Four petals, four
sepals and six stamens. Blooming mid to late spring. Attractive to butterflies.
RANGE: Found on upper slopes in the desert mountains as well as in
transition to chaparral and piñon/juniper habitats. More common at the
higher elevations. Also found throughout the western United States with several
recognized varieties/subspecies.
BIENNIAL HERB: Herbaceous plant blooming in second year on
meter tall spike. During first year of growth majority of leaves are
in a cluster at ground level: basal rosette.
LEAVES: The lower basal leaves tend to be oblong whereas those on stem
above may be more linear. Leaf margins sometimes toothed.
FRUIT: Long, four-sided or slightly flattened pods are oriented upwards.
UNARMED.