Corydalis thalictrifolia

About

Corydalis thalictrifolia is a herbaceous species placed in the genus Corydalis within the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and flowers in the UK from April to June. The genus contains both annual and perennial herbs and is especially diverse in China and the Himalayas. Corydalis species are ecologically significant as food plants for some butterfly larvae and several members of the genus contain alkaloids that can be toxic.

About the genus

Corydalis is a genus of about 540 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the family Papaveraceae, native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and the high mountains of tropical eastern Africa. They are most diverse in China and the Himalayas, with at least 357 species in China. Corydalis species are the only dicots having only a single cotyledon.

Wikipedia contributors, "Corydalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Corydalis

In the garden

Corydalis thalictrifolia belongs to the genus Corydalis in the family Papaveraceae, a group of around 540 herbaceous species mostly found across the temperate Northern Hemisphere and high mountains of tropical eastern Africa. The genus shows its greatest species richness in China and the Himalayas and is notable among dicots for having species with a single cotyledon. Flowering in the UK between April and June, plants in this genus appear as spring-flowering elements in a garden programme. The group includes both annual and perennial forms, so specific cultivation needs vary: check the plant label or supplier notes for whether an accession is tuberous, perennial or annual before planting. Several Corydalis species contain alkaloids; gardeners with livestock, pets or young children nearby should take precautions and avoid grazing access to the plants. Corydalis species can also contribute to early-season life cycles for some Lepidoptera, serving as larval food for particular butterflies. For gardeners aiming to support spring-active insects, selecting Corydalis plants with known ecological value can provide targeted resources when they flower in April to June.

More in the Corydalis genus

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