San Francisco Wallflower

Erysimum franciscanum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Erysimum
Species:
Erysimum franciscanum
USDA Symbol:
ERFR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal areas with sandy soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in cool conditions; light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Soak seeds for 3 hours in fresh water and stratify in peat moss for 2 weeks or until seeds begin to germinate.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society