Corydalis edulis

Maxim.

PapaveraceaeRootsPotential hazards — see below

iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Chuangzao, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chuangzao

iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Chuangzao, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

What to Eat

Edible parts: Root

One report notes the plant is edible but provides no further details; this likely refers to the root.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It grows in temperate and subtropical plant. It grows on the sides of channels and stony places between 400-1,200 m above sea level. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan.

Asia, China,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A herb. It grows each year from seed. It grows 20-50 cm tall. It has a thin taproot. The leaves at the base have long stalks. Leaves are pale underneath. The leaves are D shaped and 5-9 cm long. They are once or twice divided.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation: Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe, as it rapidly loses viability if allowed to dry out. Surface sow and keep moist; germination usually occurs in 1–3 months at 15°C, though one report indicates germination in spring. Two months of warm stratification followed by cold stratification improves germination of stored seed. Sow thinly so seedlings can remain undisturbed in the pot for their first year, and apply liquid feed at intervals during the growing season. Seedlings produce only one leaf in their first year and are very prone to damping off. Once dormant, divide seedlings into individual pots and grow on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year before planting out into permanent positions while dormant. Division can also be done after flowering.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Other Uses

None known.

Wikipedia

A perennial herb with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by bees. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils across a range of pH levels from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. Tolerates semi-shaded woodland conditions and prefers consistently moist soil.