The Wallflower, as its name tells you, likes to grow on walls. In early
spring you will see it on the top of old walls or high up on the broken
roof of a ruined castle. How did it get there? The wind or the birds
must have carried the seed.
The flowers are a rich golden yellow, and they have a delightful scent.
Each flower has four beautiful petals, which are broad above with a long
strap forming the lower part.
In the centre where these four petals meet, you can just see the tips of
the stamens peeping out: but the seed-vessel is hidden from sight.
The four sepals are a dark purple colour, and they form a cup in which
the lower or strap-shaped part of the petal is held.
Those flowers which are nearest the foot of the stem open first. You
will often find eight or ten yellow flowers blooming at the same time
and a bunch of dark purple buds at the end of the stem.
The stem of the Wallflower is tough and woody near the ground, but
further up it is green and smooth.
The leaves are narrow pointed straps with smooth edges. They are dark
green, but sometimes they have a touch of purple at the tips.