Erysimum ammophilum
Sand-loving wallflower, Sand-Loving Wallflower
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Erysimum ammophilum (Sand-loving wallflower) is a native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by coastal dune habitat and winged seeds.
Sand-loving wallflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in central Coast Ranges near Monterey Bay and northern Channel Islands including San Miguel and Santa Rosa islands in coastal dunes at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces striking yellow flowers with broad petals 14 to 24 millimeters long and up to 11 millimeters wide. Growing with slender stems 40 to 90 centimeters tall, it develops linear-oblanceolate leaves covered in distinctive 2 to 4-rayed hairs. Its basal and lower stem leaves are narrow, measuring 2 to 9 millimeters wide, with a delicate, sparse hair covering. The fruit develops into elongated siliques 3.5 to 12 centimeters long with winged seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; coastal dune habitat and winged seeds are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes
Elevation: < 50 m
California counties: Monterey, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Erysimum ammophilum blooms Mar-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Erysimum ammophilum native to California?
Yes. Erysimum ammophilum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erysimum ammophilum bloom?
Erysimum ammophilum blooms Mar-Apr.
Where in California does Erysimum ammophilum grow?
Erysimum ammophilum occurs in Monterey, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 50 m.
What plant family does Erysimum ammophilum belong to?
Erysimum ammophilum is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Erysimum.
Is Erysimum ammophilum rare or endangered?
Erysimum ammophilum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Erysimum capitatum — Western wallflower
- Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum — Contra Costa wallflower
- Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum — Sanddune wallflower
- Erysimum capitatum var. lompocense — San Luis Obispo wallflower
- Erysimum capitatum var. purshii — Pursh's wallflower
- Erysimum cheiranthoides — Wormseed mustard
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.