Dactylicapnos, previously classified under Dicentra, consists of climbing perennials or annuals that are sensitive to frost and lose their foliage in winter. These plants feature either compound or pinnate leaves. Their flowers display heart-shaped outer petals that are notably pouch-like at the base, tapering towards the tips and then curving outward. Typically, the blossoms grow in small clusters, which may hang, and are succeeded by pods that can be considerably inflated.

Dactylicapnos

Dactylicapnos 'Golden Tears'

Dactylicapnos aff. torulosa

Dactylicapnos lichiangensis

Dactylicapnos macrocapnos is a perennial vine that can reach heights of 7 to 10 meters. It features finely divided green foliage accented with white markings. In the summer and autumn months, the plant produces vibrant yellow flowers that give way to flat, pea-shaped pods.

Dactylicapnos macrocapnos

Dactylicapnos platycarpa

Dactylicapnos roylei

Dactylicapnos scandens is a perennial vine characterized by its deeply lobed foliage, which can reach lengths of 15 to 30 centimeters, with some leaves featuring tendrils. From mid-spring through late summer, it produces 2.5-centimeter-long flowers that are typically yellow, though white variations can occur, and some may have hints of pink or purple at the tips.

Dactylicapnos scandens

Dactylicapnos scandens 'Athens Yellow'

Dactylicapnos scandens 'Shirley Clemo'

Dactylicapnos torulosa is an annual vine characterized by its finely dissected leaves and drooping clusters of yellow, locket-like blooms. It is primarily cultivated for its distinctive seed pods, which can reach up to 15 cm in length. These terracotta-red, beaded pods eventually open to reveal contrasting black and white seeds.