wallflower

views updated Jun 27 2018

wall·flow·er / ˈwôlˌflou(-ə)r/ • n. 1. a southern European plant (Cheiranthus cheiri) of the cabbage family, with fragrant yellow, orange-red, dark red, or brown flowers, cultivated for its early spring blooming. 2. inf. a person who has no one to dance with or who feels shy, awkward, or excluded at a party.

wallflower

views updated Jun 11 2018

wallflower Any of several species of perennial plants of the genera Cheiranthus and Erysimum, commonly cultivated in Europe and USA. The European wallflower, C. cheiri, has lance-shaped leaves and red, orange, yellow or purple flowers. Height: to 90cm (36in). Family Brassicaceae/Cruciferae.