Family: Papaveraceae
Botanical name: Corydalis solida

Flower color: pinkish-purple

Flowering period: March – April

Average plant height: 6 – 8 inches

Planting depth to base of bulb: 2 – 4 inches

Spacing between bulbs: 3 – 4 inches

Type of bulb: corm

Light requirements: partial shade

Landscape uses: rock gardens, and under shrubs and trees

At least 200 different species of Corydalis are known. They can be either annual plants or ones that will naturalize. Among the latter group are some that have tubers. Of these, C. solida is the only one which is fairly commonly cultivated.

Its name is derived from the Latin word korydalis meaning “crowned lark”, since the markings on the flower are similar to the tufted crown of a lark.

Corydalis comes originally from a wooded habitat, meaning that it tolerates various degrees of shade. Although its color is not unusual, this flower’s shape is quite unique. Its decorative, finely textured foliage is bluish-green. Corydalis is very suitable for naturalizing under trees and shrubs.