Erysimum duriaei

A perennial of the Brassicaceae family, Erysimum duriaei is a species endemic to the Pyrenees, where it occupies rocks, screes, and rocky high-altitude grasslands, generally between 1,500 and 2,800 meters, on both calcareous and siliceous substrates.

It forms a compact and branched tuft, 10 to 25 cm in height, with a loose cushion-like habit. The leaves are narrow, linear to lanceolate, of medium green, covered with appressed hairs giving them a slight grayish appearance. The flowers, with four widely spaced petals, are bright and luminous yellow, grouped in short and dense clusters that abundantly cover the plant at flowering time. Their sulfur yellow to lemon yellow brightness is particularly striking against the gray background of the Pyrenean rocks.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August depending on altitude. In cultivation, it blooms in May-June. Like most mountain wallflowers, it emits a sweet, discreet but noticeable fragrance in warm weather.

It requires very well-drained, lean soil in full sun and is perfectly suited to planting in rock crevices or dry rock gardens. It does not tolerate persistent winter humidity. Its compactness and intense yellow make it an ideal candidate for mountain-themed rock garden compositions.