PLANT OF THE MONTH
September, 2008
Plant of the Month Feature
by Anne Schmidt
Arboretum Roots Board Member
Corydalis lutea
Yellow Corydalis
I credit much of my love for horticulture to my friend Linda. Linda was a Master Gardener who had the vision and skill to take a lumpy piece of turf-covered earth and turn it into a colorfully inviting personal parcel of property. She helped me build perennial gardens that are appealing and eye catching in all seasons. And she started me on this ever-changing journey of discovery with one small plant - Corydalis lutea.
I had long admired the sidewalk border leading to Linda's front porch. She had the most beautiful mounds of blue-green, ferny plants that bloomed delicate yellow flowers from spring to fall. And they came up every year and only got more beautiful and prolific.
Linda loved sharing her plants, so I came home with one starter plant about eight years ago. I planted it in late spring and by the end of September it had formed a beautiful symmetrical mound and had bloomed throughout the season. Since then I have found it growing in cracks in the brick border and have transplanted many to different locations. I've even had enough to give away numerous plants to family and friends. Corydalis lutea is so easily grown and has seeded itself to the extent that I was able this spring to transplant several to a shady area of my yard where they should do well and add much interest to an otherwise drab-looking section.
According to Nikki Phipps on the website, www.plantingflowerbulbs.com, there are at least 200 different species of Corydalis. These plants originated in woodlands and thrive in partial to full shade in zones 5-7. Most all of the species prefer humus-rich soil with good drainage. Many colors in the large variety of species are available - yellow, pink, blue and lilac.
This low-growing herbaceous perennial is a native to the southern foothills of the Alps of Italy and Switzerland. It looks great as a ground cover among hostas, in rock gardens and along mulch covered borders. It is not very tasty to insects, so there are few problems in this area.
The Iroquois used a decoction prepared from plants of Corydalis sempervirens medicinally to alleviate piles. When doing a database search on the internet, you will also find that the tuberous rhizome of this plant is used medicinally by the Chinese for a variety of ailments.
To see some great specimens of Corydalis lutea, stop by the Arboretum where it is located in two separate gardens - the Nordine Wildflower Garden and the Mercy Hospice Herb Garden.
Linda also gifted me with several other perennials - Malva, Jupiter's Beard, Montana Blue, and Sweet Woodruff - all of which have prospered in my gardens. Linda passed away two years ago, but her gifts continue to delight me and those with whom I have shared. I have become a true lover of nature and a caretaker of beautiful things. All because of one very small plant and one very special friend.
About the Author: Anne Schmidt is a member of the Roots Advisory Board, gardens as a hobby, and is a naturalist at heart. She serves as the Community Education Specialist at Clinton Community College