James H. Schutte
Family
Fumariaceae
Botanical Name
Corydalis sempervirens
Plant Common Name
Colic Weed, Pale Fumewort
General Description
Native to rocky and sandy slopes and clearings over much of Canada and the northern United States, this biennial bears clusters of small bicolored flowers from early summer to fall above rosettes of lacy blue-green leaves. Deployed on erect, calf- to waist-high stems, the spurred, purplish-pink flowers have gaping yellow mouths. The blooms give rise to small pod-like capsules containing round shiny black seeds that are distributed by ants. Plants will self-sow where happy. Plants die at the end of their blooming season.
An ideal subject for the wild garden or informal border, this charming plant prefers sun or light shade and well-drained soil. Plant seed in fall for spring germination.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 7
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Plant Type
Biennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
12"-32" / 30.5cm - 81.3cm
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Width
8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Northeastern United States, North-Central United States, Canada
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Pink
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Tan, Brown, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
