Pronounced (approximate): eh-RIS-ih-mum kap-ih-TAY-tum
Orange or yellow flowers have four broad petals. Narrow leaves alternate along upright stems.
Prairie Rocket (Erysimum capitatum): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Brassicaceae
Life cycle Biennial, short-lived perennial
Blooms May – June
Height 2 to 18 inches
Habitat part shade, sun; rocky or sandy soil; hills, open plains and prairies, roadsides, river banks
Common names: Prairie Rocket · Western Wallflower
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; rocky or sandy soil; hills, open plains and prairies, roadsides, river banks. Flowering season: May – June.
Other wallflowers can be similar. Compare flower size, color, leaf shape and fruit rather than relying on the common name Prairie Rocket alone.
Orange or yellow flowers have four broad petals.
Narrow leaves alternate along upright stems.
Long narrow seed pods follow the flowers. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
4 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MO, MT, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Prairie Rocket in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.