Corydalis solida
(kor-ID-ah-liss  SOL-ih-dah)

Family: Papaveraceae

Common name: fumewort; bird-in-a-bush
Zone: 4 – 8
Height: 6 – 10 in (15 – 25 cm)
Spread: 12 – 18 in (30 – 45 cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: moderate; well-draining
Water: moderate

 

Description: A spring ephemeral perennial with a low mounding habit. Tuberous roots will slowly spread out to produce a soft carpet over time. Grey-green leaves are deeply divided and fern-like. Tubular-shaped flowers with an upswept spur sit atop a slender stalk. Floral colour can be blue-mauve to purple, or reddish and white. Whatever the colour, it will be consistent on one plant. Blooms mid-March through spring. Being an ephemeral, the plant completely disappears come summer.

 

Special Notes: Native to northern and central Europe and Asia where this plant grows in meadows and woodlands. British gardeners have been cultivating it in their gardens since late in the 16th century. Very easy care; relatively pest and disease free. Moderately drought tolerant, but does benefit from some watering. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagation by division in early spring or by fresh seed in late spring. Seed needs a stratification period in dappled shade to germinate. Not deadheading the spent flowers right away is a guarantee you will have one or two new seedlings pop up the following year. (Try not to disturb the soil around your fumeworts too much or you may lessen your chances of new seedlings.)

 

In our Zone 7a garden: This plant was a new addition to my front garden in Spring 2015. A gift from a friend, it was broken into three clumps and planted under the Acer campestre (European field maple). Fast forward two or three years and it has become a lovely early spring presence in the bed outside the front room window. There is nothing like signs of growth and early flowers after the tough months of winter.

 

Posted on March 28, 2016; updated on February 5, 2025