SafePlants

Corydalis solida

Also known as Spring Fumewort, Fumewort, and Scrambled Eggs plant, Corydalis solida is a perennial flowering plant appreciated for its early spring blooms.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corydalis solida (L.) Clairv.
• Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy family)
• Synonyms: C. halleri, C. transsylvanica, C bulbosa, Fumaria bulbosa, F bulbosa var solida

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is native to northern Europe and thrives in moist, shady locations. It is reportedly found in areas such as La No des Rivires, La Cbe, Orne, FRANCE and Mount Parnassus in Greece.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Corydalis solida is a perennial that grows to approximately 0.2 meters (8 inches) in height and 0.1 meters (4 inches) in width.
• It forms a tuberous bulb.
• The plant features deeply divided, fern-like, gray-green leaves.
• It produces dense clumps of purplish to pink, mauve-pink, purple, or white flowers with long spurs.
• It is a spring ephemeral, with foliage appearing in early spring.

Ecological Role

Corydalis solida is mentioned as a plant that attracts bees, making it a valuable addition to gardens supporting pollinators.

Cultivation

• The plant is easy to grow from seed.
• Sowing seeds in late spring/early summer or late summer/autumn.
• It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender.

Quirky Facts

• One of its common names is "Scrambled Eggs plant."

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• RHS
• TERMIUM (Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank)
• Wikimedia Commons