wallflower

wallflower Mediterranean perennial ( Cheiranthus cheiri ) of the family Cruciferae ( mustard family), particularly popular in Europe, where it flourishes on old walls. An old-fashioned garden flower, it is similar in appearance to the related stock and is also sometimes called gillyflower. The early spring blossoms are often much doubled; yellow, red, and brown are the prevailing colors. Related species are also called wallflower, e.g., the orange-flowered Siberian, or western, wallflower ( Erysimum asperum ), which occurs both wild and in cultivation in North America. Wallflowers are classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Magnoliopsida, order Capparales, family Cruciferae.

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.

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.