About Erysimum capitatum (Douglas ex Hook.) Greene
Erysimum capitatum is a mustard-like herb. It grows thin, erect stems from a basal rosette, with dense bunches of variably colored flowers forming at the top of stems. Flowers are most typically bright golden, yellow, or tangerine-colored, though plants in some populations may have red, white, or purple flowers. Each flower has four flat petals, and its seed pods grow nearly parallel to the stem. This species is generally a biennial, and its native habitats include plains, foothills, and high elevation coniferous forests. The Latin specific epithet capitatum refers to the head-like shape of its flower cluster, or its knobby stigma. Erysimum capitatum is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is described as an attractive perennial with variable appearance, and is used in butterfly gardening. In Zuni ethnobotany, an infusion of the whole plant is used externally to treat muscle aches. The flower and fruit of the plant are eaten as an emedic for stomach aches.
