Erysimum insulare
Island wallflower
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Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Erysimum insulare (Island wallflower) is a native California subshrub in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by perpendicular pod flattening and widely spreading pedicels.
Island wallflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the northern Channel Islands in coastal dunes and cliffs at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces bright yellow flowers 14 to 20 millimeters long with broad petals 4 to 11.5 millimeters wide. Growing as a subshrub with a woody base 20 to 30 centimeters tall, it has slender stems and linear to oblanceolate leaves covered in distinctive two- or three-rayed hairs. Its narrow leaves are 2 to 5 millimeters wide, creating a delicate, sparse foliage structure. The fruit develops as a long, flat pod 2 to 5 centimeters in length, with seeds arranged along a prominent central vein.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; perpendicular pod flattening and widely spreading pedicels are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes, cliffs
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
Bloom period
Erysimum insulare blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Erysimum insulare native to California?
Yes. Erysimum insulare is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erysimum insulare bloom?
Erysimum insulare blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Erysimum insulare grow?
Erysimum insulare occurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Erysimum insulare belong to?
Erysimum insulare is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Erysimum.
Is Erysimum insulare rare or endangered?
Erysimum insulare carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.