Perennial of the Brassicaceae family, this subspecies is native to the Alps and the Apennines, where it grows on scree, sunny rocks, and stony slopes, generally between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in altitude, on well-drained calcareous or mixed substrates.
It forms a spreading, dense, and branched cushion, 15 to 25 cm in height, with a decidedly covering habit. The foliage consists of oblong to spatulate leaves, medium green, slightly rough to the touch. The flowers, with four petals characteristic of the Brassicaceae, are bright yellow to pure orange-yellow, gathered in short, tight clusters that literally cover the foliage at the time of flowering. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July depending on the altitude. In cultivation, it usually occurs in April-May.
What immediately distinguishes this subspecies among rockery erysimums is the extent of the floral carpet: in full bloom, the foliage almost entirely disappears under the golden clusters.
It requires a very well-drained soil, preferably mineral, in full sun, and easily withstands summer drought and winter cold.