Pseudofumaria spp.

yellow corydalis

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Pseudofumaria spp. is a small genus of clump-forming perennials in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), comprising the yellow-flowered P. lutea and the cream-white P. alba, both formerly placed in Corydalis spp.. Plants grow 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) tall and slightly wider, forming low mounds of divided, blue-green, fern-like foliage. From late spring well into autumn they carry dense racemes of small tubular flowers, each 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) long with a short spur, in yellow (P. lutea) or pale cream (P. alba). The long flowering season, often spanning four to six months, continues where summers are not too hot and dry. Pseudofumaria spp. self-seeds freely, colonizing crevices in walls, paving, and rocky ground, which can make it spread beyond where it is wanted. The brittle stems and roots are intolerant of disturbance, so plants are difficult to move once established. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids and can cause digestive upset if eaten.

Native Range

Pseudofumaria spp. is native to the southern Alps and foothills of Italy and the western Balkans, where it grows in rocky woodland, shaded cliffs, and limestone crevices. Both species have naturalized widely in temperate Europe and North America, often on old walls.

Suggested Uses

Grown in shaded rock gardens, wall crevices, woodland edges, and the fronts of cool borders. The long bloom and self-seeding habit suit naturalistic and cottage-style plantings. It also fills gaps in paving and dry shade where many perennials struggle.

How to Identify

Recognize Pseudofumaria spp. by its mounds of soft, blue-green, much-divided fern-like leaves and its sprays of small spurred tubular flowers. P. lutea bears yellow flowers, while P. alba bears pale cream flowers with yellow tips. The flowers are followed by small pod-like capsules that scatter seed.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 1'3"

Width/Spread10" - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering begins in late spring and continues through summer into autumn, roughly May to October, over a longer season than many spring perennials. Bloom is heaviest in cool, moist conditions and slows during hot, dry spells. Self-sown seedlings extend the display year to year.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Pseudofumaria spp. in part shade to full shade in moist but well-drained soil; it also grows in sun where the soil stays cool and damp. The genus tolerates poor, stony, and alkaline soils and naturalizes readily in wall crevices. Water during dry spells to prolong flowering, as growth slows and foliage can scorch in hot, dry sites. Little feeding is needed, and rich soil mainly increases self-seeding. Plants are short-lived but maintain themselves through abundant seedlings. To limit spread, seedlings are removed before they set seed.

Pruning

Shear Pseudofumaria spp. back after the first flush to encourage fresh foliage and a second wave of bloom. Removing old flower stems before seed sets reduces unwanted self-sowing. Tattered foliage can be cut to the ground in late autumn.

Pruning Schedule

fall