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Corydalis aurea – Scrambled Eggs, Native Biennial with Yellow Flowers

Scrambled Eggs (Corydalis aurea)

Corydalis aurea (kor-ID-ah-liss OR-ee-ah) is a biennial that produces small yellow flowers in spring, carried tightly over finely divided, sea-green leaves. It self-sows freely.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This species is native to North America and a number of states list it as threatened or endangered.

Growing Conditions & Care

Prefers moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.

Propagation

Sow seed when fresh for flowering the following year; germination may be erratic.

Potential Problems

Downy mildew, rust, aphids, slugs, snails.

Quick Reference

Height/Spread: 6–12 in.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Bloom Time: Early spring to late spring
Flower Color: Yellow
Uses: Beds, borders, ground covers, naturalizing, suitable as annual, woodland gardens
Type: Annual

Other: Corydalis cheilanthifolia – Fern-Leaved Corydalis with Bronzy Foliage; Corydalis elata – Fragrant Blue Corydalis, Heat Tolerant; Corydalis flexuosa 'Blue Panda' – Compact Fragrant Blue Corydalis; Corydalis flexuosa 'China Blue' – Sky-Blue Corydalis for Woodland Gardens; Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' – Blue Flowers with Purple-Tinged Foliage; Corydalis linstowiana – Purplish-Blue Biennial Corydalis; Corydalis lutea – Yellow Corydalis, Long-Blooming Shade Perennial; Corydalis ochroleuca – Creamy White Corydalis, Self-Sowing Perennial; Corydalis solida – Fumewort, Spring Ephemeral for Rock Gardens; Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine' – Fragrant Pink-Purple Corydalis for Shade

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