Pale Corydalis is a very attractive biennial native. I saw a large cluster of these growing this spring in late May in central Ontario. Growing in shallow soils on top of the Canadian shield granite bedrock, most plants reached heights close to 3 feet tall.
The flowers of Pale Corydalis have one spurred petal, and are bright pink with yellow tips. They are arranged in showy clusters above the light blue-green foliage.
You will find this native in partial and full sun locations, most often in shallow, dry soils. It is native to northeastern North America. See map below for range.
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| Image Source: USDA Plants Database |
If this is the plant I think it is, I've always wanted to grow these. I believe their seeds have elaiosome on them and are planted by ants, which is a recurring theme in my ant garden. I could never find anyplace selling seeds or plants though.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't found a source for seeds either. Yes love seeds with elaiosomes, seems to be predominant on spring flowering species?
ReplyDeleteTrilliums, Woodland Poppy, Bloodroot, Twinleaf, Wild Ginger, Hepatica, Bleeding Hearts, Trout Lily, and most Violets all have elaiosome on their seeds.
ReplyDeleteI've had the best luck with Trilliums thus far in getting ants to plant them. Ants don't seem to bother with Violet seeds nor do they seem in particular need of planting; they're quite prolific in the wetter parts of our yard and seem to all germinate in large groups next to the parent plant. I had some Hepatica go to seed last year but couldn't get ants to do anything with the seeds. Twinleaf is another I've gotten to set seed but couldn't get ants to go for them. Though with Twinleaf it's a wonder if pollination even took place as the flowers are open for 8 hours at the most before all the petals fall off.
Yes Twinleaf are hard to photograph for that very reason. So do you collect and place the seed out for the ants then observe? Or just watch your developing seeds on the plant for ant activity?
DeleteDepends when I find them. Trilliums species are the most diverse in my garden. Their seed pods all ripen at different times but once one opens the wasps learn about this food and move in on the other. I'll find pods that have a small pencil sized hole in them which the wasp used to hollow the entire thing out. Others though will open more naturally and get swarmed with ants.
DeleteThe size of the ant species also plays a roll. Species that are too small will eat the elaiosome off the seed in place, while larger ones, ~4mm or more, will carry them off to the nest.
Here is a video I did this past year. There is an ad on it as a fair warning. Some people get annoyed by stuff like that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysB3gYv9-3Y
In the future I hope to do other episodes like this but with other plants.
This is great. Thanks for your video link.
DeleteHeather I love this..never knew we had a native corydalis...
ReplyDeleteYes it is definitely beautiful but since its biennnial not a permanent fixture in the landscape.
DeleteHeather I do not know this plant. I must get to know it. With its blue shade of leaves this would be a perfect addition in my front garden where it is sunny and dry. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKathy, let me know if you find a source for it. I have not yet.
DeleteFrom Carolyn @ Carolyn's Shade Gardens
ReplyDeleteI love this corydalis and didn't realize that it was native. Striking flowers and very showy leaves, but it comes and goes as it pleases.
Carolyn
Carolyn - do you sell this Corydalis?
DeleteI just found your blog and I'm enjoying it very much! I recently purchased these Pale Corydalis seeds on Etsy from Milton's Garden Menagerie in Portland, OR. Thanks for all your great photos and well-organized info.
ReplyDeleteDebsnature
Thanks Debsnature, great to know you found a source for seeds.
DeleteHeather