Erysimum is a genus of about 180 species of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, native to Europe, western Asia and North America.
Erysimum produces narrow, grey-green leaves and four-petalled, brightly colored and often fragrant blooms borne on long spikes. They make an excellent choice for your garden, flower bed or garden border.
The genus name comes from the Greek word “Eryo”, which means “to drag”.
The common name for Erysimum is “Wallflower” because they are often seen on old walls or cliffs.
Erysimum is a symbol of fidelity.
It’s interesting that this plant is still sold under their old name of “Cheiranthus” as well. The name Cheiranthus comes from the Greek words “cheir”, which means “hand” and “anthos” meaning “flower”, referring to a medieval custom in which the flowers were often carried in the hand at festivals.
The species were previously classified into two genera, Erysimum and Cheiranthus, but are now classed under the genus Erysimum.
