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Native Plant Database

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Corydalis caseana (Sierra fumewort)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Corydalis caseana Gray

Sierra fumewort

Fumariaceae (Fumitory Family)

USDA Symbol: COCA15

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A rather soft, almost succulent, tall plant with leafy, hollow stems, large, fern-like leaves, and dense racemes of 50-200 pinkish-white flowers.

The pods of this and other species have elastic walls that instantly curl back and explosively eject seeds when touched. Scouler Corydalis (C. scouleri), found from British Columbia south to northern Oregon, is similar but has only 15-35 flowers in the largest racemes; its petals are pink, usually with purple at the tips.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , NM , OR , UT , WA
Native Distribution: Northeastern Oregon south to central Sierra Nevada and east to Idaho and Colorado.
Native Habitat: Shady moist areas in mountains.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low

Benefit

Warning: This plant contains alkaloids poisonous to livestock, particularly sheep. Humans should generally avoid consuming plants that are toxic to animals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Corydalis caseana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Corydalis caseana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Corydalis caseana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-08-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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