Corydalis ambigua

Family: Papaveraceae

What it is like

Corydalis ambigua is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to June, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Woods and meadows from the lowland to the mountains of N. Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Alterative, antiperiodic, astringent, deobstruent, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic. The root is analgesic, antispasmodic and sedative. The tuber has a history of over a thousand years use in mitigating pain. This species was ranked 10th in a test of 250 potential antifertility drugs.

Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed. This species is very closely related to and probably part of C. fumariifolia. It is probably not really worthy of specific status and is best treated as a cultivar, C. 'Ambigua'. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Germinates in spring according to another report. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth and are very prone to damping off. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division in spring after flowering. Once the plants are dying down, dig up the clump and divide the tubers, planting them out straight into their permanent positions if required.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. 'Ambigua'.