Corydalis solida(L.) Clairv. is native to Europe and Asia and is found in meadows or woodlands. There is considerable variation in the leaves and the flower color, the latter varying from white to pink and purple with the most common color being dull purple. There is also a deep reddish-brick form and many attractive cultivars with interesting markings. Photographs of seeds on a 10 mm grid and bulbs by David Pilling. In the last one the clear to white elaiosome, an attachment to the seed which can be eaten by ants, is visible.
Photographs of various forms by John Lonsdale.
'Beth Evans' is one popular cultivar. In the garden it behaves like other Spring bulbs, starting to grow at the end of Winter, flowering and then dying back by the start of Summer. It has proved trouble free. Photos by David Pilling. The third one shows the prophyll or scale-leaf which is used to distinguish various species of Corydalis. Photo four shows shoots appearing.
