'Western wallflower' definitions:

Definition of 'Western wallflower'

From: GCIDE
  • Wallflower \Wall"flow`er\, n.
  • 1. (Bot.) A perennial, cruciferous plant ({Cheiranthus Cheiri}), with sweet-scented flowers varying in color from yellow to orange and deep red. In Europe it very common on old walls. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The name is sometimes extended to other species of Cheiranthus and of the related genus Erysimum, especially the American Western wallflower ({Erysimum asperum}), a biennial herb with orange-yellow flowers. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A lady at a ball, who, either from choice, or because not asked to dance, remains a spectator. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Bot.) In Australia, the desert poison bush ({Gastrolobium grandiflorum}); -- called also native wallflower. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]