Wallflower, Aegean wallflower

Erysimum cheiri

Physical Characteristics

Erysimum cheiri is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. Europe. Naturalized in lowland Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Cardiotonic Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Nervine Ophthalmic Purgative Resolvent Stomachic Tonic Wallflower was formerly used mainly as a diuretic and emmenagogue but recent research has shown that it is more valuable for its effect on the heart[254]. In small doses it is a cardiotonic, supporting a failing heart in a similar manner to foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)[254]. In more than small doses, however, it is toxic and so is seldom used in herbal medicine[254]. The flowers and stems are antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, emmenagogue, nervine, purgative and resolvent[4, 7, 46, 61, 240]. They are used in the treatment of impotence and paralysis[240]. The essential oil is normally used[4]. This should be used with caution because large doses are toxic[7]. The plant contains the chemical compound cheiranthin which has a stronger cardiotonic action than digitalis (obtained from Digitalis species). If taken in large doses this is very poisonous and so this plant should not be used medicinally without expert supervision[244]. The seeds are aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic and tonic[240]. They are used in the treatment of dry bronchitis, fevers and injuries to the eyes[240].

Known Hazards

The plant is said to be poisonous if used in large quantities[7].