Erysimum seipkae

Perennial of the Brassicaceae family, Erysimum seipkae is a Pyrenean endemic strictly localized to the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, where it colonizes scree, rocky ridges, and pioneer grasslands on calcareous or schist substrates, generally between 1,800 and 2,800 meters in altitude.

The plant forms small dense and branched tufts, rarely above 15 cm, spreading widely over the mineral substrate. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, a bright green, with a slightly rough surface due to appressed hairs characteristic of alpine Erysimum.

The flowers, with four well-developed petals, display a bright yellow slightly sulfurous, gathered in compact corymbs that generously crown each floral stem. The effect is that of a plant drowned under its own flowering, the golden clusters overflowing the foliage. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August depending on altitude and exposure.

In cultivation, it requires perfect drainage, a poor and mineral substrate, and a sunny exposure. Limestone rockery or trough suits it well. Competition from other plants and excess winter moisture are its main enemies. A rare species, little represented in collections, whose encounter in the field remains a privilege.