European wallflower
Erysimum hieraciifolium
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Pl. CC4D — Erysimum hieraciifolium
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IOverview
Overview
European wallflower (Erysimum hieraciifolium) is a biennial or perennial plant native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia regions including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Krym, North Caucasus, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It prefers a pH range of 7.5 to 8 and is hardy in zones 6-9. One distinctive feature of European wallflower is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters tall, making it an attractive ornamental addition to gardens while also providing edible parts for use in culinary dishes.
Quick answers
What is European wallflower?
European wallflower (Erysimum hieraciifolium) is a biennial or perennial plant native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia regions including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Krym, North Caucasus, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
European wallflower thrives in light to partial shade with a moisture level of moist. It prefers well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and has a pH between 7.5 and 8. Hardy from zones 6-9, it can be propagated through seeds or division. This biennial or perennial grows to about 0.6 meters tall and its edible leaves and shoots can be harvested.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow European wallflower for the first time
8steps
Start with European wallflower as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline (pH 7.5–8).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.6 meters apart, or plant small seedlings in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to deadhead, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The European wallflower's leaves and shoots are edible. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 7.5–8. Its biennial or perennial nature allows for multiple harvests over its life cycle.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaIranKazakhstanTurkeyUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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