Curly Wallflower: A Rare Coastal Native Worth Protecting
Meet the curly wallflower (Erysimum menziesii concinnum), a charming but elusive native plant that calls the Pacific Coast home. This little-known subspecies represents one of nature’s more specialized creations, perfectly adapted to life along California and Oregon’s rugged coastlines.
What Makes Curly Wallflower Special
Also known by its scientific name Erysimum menziesii concinnum (and sometimes listed as Erysimum concinnum), this herbaceous perennial belongs to the mustard family. As a forb, it’s a non-woody plant that can live for multiple years, cycling between biennial and perennial growth patterns depending on conditions.
What sets this plant apart isn’t just its coastal origins—it’s also quite rare. With a conservation status of S3?T3, curly wallflower exists in limited numbers throughout its range, making it a special find for native plant enthusiasts.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
Curly wallflower has a fairly restricted native range, naturally occurring only in California and Oregon. This coastal native has evolved to thrive in the unique conditions found along the Pacific shoreline, where cool, moist air meets well-draining soils.
Should You Grow Curly Wallflower?
Here’s where things get interesting—and important. Because of its rarity status, curly wallflower isn’t your typical garden center find. If you’re drawn to this unique native, you’ll want to approach it thoughtfully:
- Only source responsibly: Never collect from wild populations. Look for reputable native plant nurseries or seed companies that ethically propagate rare species
- Perfect for native plant gardens: If you can find it through proper channels, it’s an excellent choice for coastal native plant landscapes
- Conservation value: Growing rare natives in gardens can help preserve genetic diversity and provide backup populations
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for this subspecies is limited, we can make educated guesses based on its coastal habitat and related wallflowers:
- Climate: Best suited for USDA zones 8-10, particularly coastal areas
- Soil: Likely prefers well-draining soils, possibly sandy or rocky
- Water: Moderate water needs, adapted to coastal moisture patterns
- Sun: Probably thrives in full sun to partial shade
Garden Design Ideas
If you’re fortunate enough to acquire curly wallflower through responsible sources, consider these placement ideas:
- Rock gardens or coastal-themed landscapes
- Native plant borders alongside other California and Oregon natives
- Naturalized areas where it can spread as conditions allow
- Conservation gardens focused on preserving rare species
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Like other wallflowers, curly wallflower likely produces small, cheerful blooms that attract various pollinators. While specific wildlife relationships aren’t well documented for this subspecies, wallflowers generally support:
- Small native bees and other pollinators
- Butterflies and beneficial insects
- Birds that feed on seeds
The Bottom Line
Curly wallflower represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Its rarity makes it a treasure for serious native plant gardeners, but that same scarcity means we must approach it with respect and care. If you’re passionate about coastal natives and committed to responsible sourcing, this little wallflower could become a crown jewel in your native plant collection.
Remember: the best way to help rare plants like curly wallflower is to support conservation efforts, choose responsibly sourced plants, and never collect from wild populations. Every garden that thoughtfully includes rare natives becomes part of a larger conservation story.
