Treacle Mustard, Spreading Wallflower, Repand Treacle Mustard, Wavyleaf Wallflower
Erysimum repandum
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Treacle Mustard is primarily valued as a bee and pollinator attractant. The seeds are edible, though small. Some sources indicate young leaves are edible when cooked, but palatability varies and caution is advised due to potential bitterness or glucosinolate content. It can serve as a quick-growing ground cover. No specific cultivars are noted for enhanced permaculture use, but selecting for early flowering or higher nectar production might improve its value.
Permapeople description
Erysimum repandum is a species of wallflower native to southern Europe. It is a short-lived perennial or biennial plant growing to 30 cm tall, with narrow leaves and dense clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring.
Botanical description
Erysimum repandum is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 10-40 cm. The stems are erect or ascending, often branched. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate to oblanceolate with repand (wavy) margins, giving it the name 'repandum'. Flowers are yellow, small, and borne in racemes. The fruit is a silique (a type of capsule) containing numerous seeds. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Companion planting
Due to its attractiveness to pollinators, it can be a beneficial companion plant for crops that require insect pollination. Avoid planting near brassicas susceptible to the same pests or diseases, as it belongs to the same family. No specific beneficial or detrimental companion plant relationships are widely documented.
Propagation methods
The primary method of propagation is by seed. Seeds can be sown directly in the ground in spring or autumn. It self-seeds readily in favorable conditions. No known methods for cuttings or division for this particular species.
History and traditions
Historically, Erysimum species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, though Erysimum repandum's specific historical use is less documented than some of its relatives. Generally, members of the Erysimum genus were sometimes employed for their purported expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds have been used as a source of oil. However, significant historical or cultural traditions directly linked to Erysimum repandum are not widely recorded.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs in spring and early summer (April-June). Seed collection follows flowering as the siliques mature. Planting is best done in spring or autumn. Pruning is not typically required, but removing spent flower stalks can prevent excessive self-seeding if desired.