Fumewort
Corydalis solida

Family: Papaveraceae

What it is like

A perennial plant. It grows 2-30 cm high and 15-20 cm wide. It has a tuber. The leaves are like feathers. The flowers occur on upright spikes. They tilt and the spurs turn down. They can be white to reddish-purple. The fruit is like a capsule and contains many seeds.

There are about 300 Corydalis species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It will grow in most moist, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Europe (country/location of origin), Luxembourg, Russia, Slovenia

How it is used for food

CAUTION: It contains alkaloids. The root has the bitter element removed and is then used as a famine food to extend bread flour.

Edible parts

Root, tuber, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or by division.

Its other names

Local names

čvrsti petelinček

Synonyms

Corydalis halleri; Corydalis trassylvanica;