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Yellow Corydalis

Pseudofumaria lutea

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
35 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, rocky places, walls, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 4 petals
 
Rich yellow dense spikes appearing opposite one another under the leaves. The flowers themselves are small, yellow and trumpet-like in shape.
Fruit:
A slender pod, or capsule, up to 2cm long. The pods hang downwards but as they ripen they curve upwards then split open to reveal their black, shiny seeds.
Leaves:
Pale green or greyish. Bipinnate.
Aroma:
Flowers and foliage are both pungent.
Other Names:
False Celandine, Hollowort, Rock Fumewort, Yellow Fumewort, Yellow Fumitory, Yellow Harlequin, Yellow Larkspur, Yellow-wort.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Other Information

Summary

Pseudofumaria lutea is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to Europe. It is a perennial plant with yellow flowers and is also known by the common name false celandine or yellow-wort. The leaves of Pseudofumaria lutea are divided into lobes and are covered in soft, downy hairs. The plant is known for its attractive flowers and is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used in herbal medicine, and the leaves are edible and can be used in salads.

Blog

Yellow Corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea) is a beautiful and delicate spring-blooming plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and is sometimes called the yellow corydalis or rock harlequin.

The yellow corydalis is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that forms a clump of finely-cut, fern-like leaves. In early spring, it produces delicate yellow flowers that rise above the foliage on delicate stems. The flowers are tubular in shape, with four petals that flare out to form a star-like shape. Each flower lasts only a few days, but the plant continues to produce new blooms throughout the spring.

In the wild, yellow corydalis grows in rocky, alpine habitats, where it can be found growing in crevices and along ledges. It is well adapted to grow in tough conditions, such as rocky soils and areas with low moisture. This makes it a good choice for gardeners who are looking for a plant that is both beautiful and tough.

When growing yellow corydalis in a garden, it is important to choose a location that provides well-drained soil and partial to full shade. The plant does not tolerate hot, dry conditions, so it is best to avoid planting it in full sun. Yellow corydalis is also a good choice for rock gardens, where it can be tucked into crevices and between rocks for a natural, wild look.

The yellow corydalis is not only attractive, but it is also a valuable plant for wildlife. The flowers provide an important source of nectar for early-season pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and the leaves are an important food source for caterpillars.

Overall, the yellow corydalis is a lovely and versatile plant that can add color and interest to any garden. Whether you are looking for a groundcover for a shady area, a rock garden accent, or a source of early-season nectar for pollinators, this delicate little plant is definitely worth considering.

In addition to its ornamental value, yellow corydalis is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive problems, headaches, and menstrual pain. It is also said to have mild sedative and pain-relieving effects.

The active compounds in yellow corydalis are found in its roots and underground stems. These compounds include alkaloids, which have a wide range of physiological effects on the body. Some of these alkaloids are known to have pain-relieving properties, while others are said to have a calming effect on the central nervous system.

However, it is important to note that the medicinal properties of yellow corydalis have not been widely studied in modern scientific research. As with any medicinal plant, it is best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using yellow corydalis for medicinal purposes.

Another important aspect of yellow corydalis is its cultural significance. In many parts of Europe and Asia, yellow corydalis is considered a symbol of spring and renewal. It is often associated with the goddess Eostre or Ostara, who was worshipped in ancient cultures as the goddess of spring and fertility.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal value, yellow corydalis is also prized by many gardeners for its easy care and maintenance. This plant is very low-maintenance and requires very little in the way of attention or care.

One of the key benefits of yellow corydalis is its ability to naturalize and spread in the garden. Over time, this plant will form a dense, attractive clump that can be used as a groundcover or as a filler between other plants. If you are looking for a plant that can fill in a shady area of your garden without requiring a lot of maintenance, yellow corydalis is an excellent choice.

Another benefit of yellow corydalis is its drought tolerance. This plant can withstand periods of drought, making it a good choice for gardeners who are looking for a plant that can thrive in tough conditions.

Overall, yellow corydalis is a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that can be relied upon to provide color and interest in the garden from spring through fall. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this lovely little plant is sure to become a staple in your garden for years to come.

One of the things that makes yellow corydalis such a popular plant is its versatility. This plant can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

For example, yellow corydalis is an excellent choice for a woodland garden. Its delicate, fern-like leaves and yellow flowers make it a perfect complement to other spring-blooming woodland plants, such as trilliums, hepaticas, and wild ginger.

Yellow corydalis is also a great choice for a rock garden. Its preference for well-drained, rocky soils and its ability to naturalize and spread make it a perfect choice for this type of garden. You can plant yellow corydalis between rocks, in crevices, or along ledges, where it will provide a beautiful, natural look.

If you are looking for a groundcover, yellow corydalis is an excellent choice. This plant forms a dense, attractive clump that will help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture in the soil. Whether you are looking to cover a large area or just want to add a little bit of interest to a shady corner of your garden, yellow corydalis is a great choice.

Finally, yellow corydalis is a great choice for a cottage garden or meadow garden. Its delicate, yellow flowers and delicate, fern-like leaves make it a perfect choice for this type of garden, where it can be combined with other spring-blooming perennials, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, to create a beautiful, natural look.

It's also worth mentioning that yellow corydalis is a great choice for a low-maintenance garden. This plant requires very little in the way of attention or care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who don't have a lot of time to devote to their gardens.

Yellow corydalis is also a great choice for a wildlife garden. The flowers of this plant are an important source of nectar for early-season pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting yellow corydalis in your garden, you can help to support these important pollinators, who play a critical role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of our ecosystems.

Another benefit of yellow corydalis is its ability to thrive in a variety of soils and growing conditions. This plant is adaptable and can grow in a range of soils, from sandy soils to heavy clays, as long as the soil is well-drained. Yellow corydalis is also able to grow in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Finally, yellow corydalis is a great choice for a sustainable garden. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and is well-adapted to growing in temperate climates. It requires very little in the way of watering, fertilizing, or other inputs, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking to create a more sustainable and low-impact garden.

In conclusion, yellow corydalis is an excellent choice for a variety of garden styles and growing conditions. Whether you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance groundcover, a plant to support pollinators, or a sustainable addition to your garden, yellow corydalis is sure to impress. So why not give this lovely little plant a try in your garden today!


Video

Yellow Corydalis filmed at the following locations:
  • Silverdale, Lancashire: 27th May 2023
  • Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire: 24th June 2023
  • Bourton-on-the-water, Gloucestershire: 24th and 28th June 2023
  • Clapton-on-the-hill, Gloucestershire: 26th June 2023
 

Music credits
Not Without the Rest by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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