Corydalis cava

Family: Papaveraceae

What it is like

Corydalis cava 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. It is in leaf from March to June, in flower from February to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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

Shady forests, rarely amongst shrubs.

E. Europe. A rare garden escape in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

The tuber is antispasmodic, hallucinogenic and also slows the pulse. It is harvested in the spring before the plant comes into flower and dried for later use. The plant should only be used under the guidance of a trained herbalist, it is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. One report says that the plant is cultivated for its medicinal uses in Sweden, but gives no more details. The following reports are for C. yanhusuo which, according to one authority, is the correct name for this species. It is treated as a separate species here. The tuber is analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative. The root has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation. It also has sedative properties and is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments. Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antianxiety: Helps relieve anxiety. See also Nervine and Sedative.

Antidepressant: Used to alleviate mood disorders, such as major depression and dysthymia and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

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

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.

Hallucinogenic: Causes the mind to hallucinate.

Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure

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

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. There is at least one named variety, selected for its ornamental value. There is some possible confusion over the name of this species. 'Flora Europaea' says that it is a synonym of C. bulbosa but the RHS 'Dictionary of Gardening' gives C. bulbosa as a synonym of this species. In another report this species is said to be no more than a synonym for C. yanhusuo. Closely related to C. solida, differing mainly in its solid tubers, rather than hollow as in C. solida. 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 after flowering.

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. bulbosa. (L.)DC.