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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Cheiranthus 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Cheiranthus cheiri. L.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The flowers contain 0.06% essential oil[240]. It has a pleasing aroma if diluted and is used in perfumery[46, 61, 114, 244]. The seed contains about 20% fixed oil[240], but no details of any uses are given[K].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a position in full sun in a circumneutral soil[1, 111, 200]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soils[1], tolerating poor and limey soils[187]. Plants are liable to die out if the soil is too rich[111]. Wallflowers are perennial, though they are usually grown as biennials in the flower garden for spring and early summer bedding[1]. There are some named varieties[187]. A very ornamental plant[7], it is liable to die out after flowering, probably because it exhausts itself by producing so many flowers. Plants require a very well-drained dry soil if they are to survive a second winter[187]. They grow well on dry stone walls[201] and also on old mortared walls where they usually self-sow[219]. A good butterfly and moth plant[17, 30]. A good companion for apple trees[18, 20, 201].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in an outdoor seedbed. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Plant the seedlings into their permanent positions when they are large enough to handle. If seed is in short supply, it can be sown in spring in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Cheiranthus cheiri - (L.)Crantz.