Thickstem Wild Cabbage-Caulanthus crassicaulis

If this wildflower looks slightly similar to one I featured about a week ago, heartleaf twistflower (Steptanthus cordatus), then you're in the right mindset. This is another member of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae), called thickstem wild cabbage (Caulanthus crassicaulis). Quite frankly, I think this is not a good common name--it doesn't look at all like cabbage to me. Other names are thick-stemmed caulanthus, and the much preferred jewelflower. "Caulanthus" means "stem flower" and "crassicaulis" means "thick-stemmed."

The thick green stem, which can grow to three feet tall, is certainly notable, as are the inflated flowers. There are a couple varieties, one hairy, and this one, variety glaber--hairless.

Note the assymetrical flowers. The four sepals form a vase-like projection that hold the four emerging petals. It grows in sagebrush country on rocky soils. Photo taken 5-19-09.

For more information about thickstem wild cabbage, click here.