Family: Papaveraceae
Author: (Raf.) DC.
Bibliography: Prodr. 1: 129 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Corydalis
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Yellow harlequin, scientifically known as Corydalis flavula, is a captivating plant species that hails from the rich flora of Southeastern Canada through to North Carolina and extends into the Eastern United States. Seeking the gentle shelter of woodlands and moist, shaded environments, this delicate plant is a charming representative of the Papaveraceae family.
Characterized by its dainty and intricate yellow flowers, the Yellow harlequin thrives as a subtle yet striking highlight in its native habitats. Its blossoms typically appear in early spring, adding a splash of brightness to the rejuvenating landscape. Standing modestly at a height that rarely exceeds a foot, Corydalis flavula’s slender stems and finely divided leaves collectively whisper the elegance and grace of nature’s minutiae.
The etymology of its name pays homage to the writings of the renowned botanist Rafinesque, with further designation by DC., capturing the historical richness of botanical exploration and classification dating back to 1824. This historical reference, Prodr. 1: 129, attests to the longstanding recognition and appreciation of its unique botanical qualities.
Although this plant is not particularly prominent or widespread outside its native range, its presence is an integral part of the ecosystems it inhabits. It contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of these regions, providing nectar for early pollinators and adding to the layered complexity of woodland undergrowth.
In cultivation, Corydalis flavula might appeal to gardeners interested in native plants and those looking to emulate the delicate beauty of natural woodlands. Given the right conditions – primarily shaded, moist, well-drained soil – Yellow harlequin can thrive and continue its understated bloom, whispering the continuity of nature from past to present.
Common Names
Eng: yellow corydalis, yellow fumewort, yellow harlequin, pale corydalis
Fra: corydale jaune pâle, corydale jaune
En: Yellow harlequin, Yellow corydalis, Yellow fumewort, PALE CORYDALIS
Fr: Corydale jaune pâle, Corydale jaune
Fa: شاتره زرد
Synonyms
- Fumaria flavula (Raf.)
- Neckeria flavula ((Raf.) Millsp.)
- Corydalis geyeri (Fedde)
- Corydalis flavidula (Chapm.)
- Corydalis aurea var. flavula ((Raf.) Alph.Wood)
- Capnoides flavula ((Raf.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 4, 2016 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Christi Cottrell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2005 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2019 by Ray Elkins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2019 by naturenut_2 (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 20, 2016 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 21, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken May 3, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 21, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5334201)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:672228-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Corydalis flavula (Raf.) DC.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.8
Ph minimum: 4.8