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Cressler, Alan

Corydalis sempervirens

Corydalis sempervirens (L.) Pers.

Rock Harlequin

Fumariaceae (Fumitory Family)

Synonym(s): Capnoides sempervirens

USDA Symbol: COSE5

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)

Rock-harlequin or pale corydalis is a delicate, lacy, 12-32 in. biennial with compound leaves divided into many lobes. During its first summer the only foliage is a basal rosette, but in its second year the plant sends up many branched stems, each tipped with bunches of pink and yellow, uniquely tubular flowers. Drooping, sac-like, tubular, pink and yellow flowers in clusters at ends of branched stems bearing intricately divided leaves. The flowers give way to long, narrow seed pods.

The delicate, dangling flowers and bluish-green foliage distinguish this corydalis. A number of other yellow-flowered species occur in eastern North America. Golden Corydalis (C. micrantha), a winter annual or biennial found in fields or along roadsides, has long-spurred flowers about 1/2" (1.5 cm) long and highly divided leaves. A smaller species, Yellow Harlequin (C. flavula), has flowers less than 1/2" (1.5 cm) long and a very short spur. Climbing Fumitory or Allegheny Vine (Adlumia fungosa) is a closely related woodland vine that climbs to 10' (3 m); it has similar foliage and pink flowers very like those of Tall Corydalis and occurs most frequently in the Allegheny Mountains.

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