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Corydalis solida – Fumewort, Spring Ephemeral for Rock Gardens

Fumewort (Corydalis solida)

Corydalis solida (kor-ID-ah-liss SOL-ih-dah) produces mauve-pink, purple, or white flower spikes in spring over deeply divided gray-green leaves barely 10 inches tall. Synonym: C halleri.

Noteworthy Characteristics

In time it forms an ephemeral carpet of delicate color and texture in spring.

Growing Conditions & Care

Prefers partial shade or full sun. Needs very well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Grow in a rock garden.

Propagation

Sow seed when fresh; germination may be erratic. Divide in fall.

Potential Problems

Downy mildew, rust, aphids, slugs, snails; spider mites indoors.

Quick Reference

Height/Spread: 6–12 in.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Bloom Time: Early spring to spring
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
Uses: Beds, borders, ground covers, naturalizing, woodland gardens
Type: Perennial

Other: Corydalis aurea – Scrambled Eggs, Native Biennial with Yellow Flowers; 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 'Blackberry Wine' – Fragrant Pink-Purple Corydalis for Shade

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