Corydalis

Corydalis is a genus of flowering plants in the Papaveraceae family. It comprises several hundred species of herbaceous perennials and annuals, distributed across temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, with the greatest diversity in Asia.

Most species are low-growing, clump-forming perennials with finely dissected leaves. The flowers are tubular and bilaterally symmetric, typically arranged in elongated inflorescences. Colors range from yellow and white to pink and purple, and flowering generally occurs in spring to early summer. The fruits are slender capsules that release seeds when ripe.

Corydalis is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens. They prefer cool, moist, well-drained soil and often tolerate partial to full shade; some species enter a summer dormancy in hot climates.

The genus contains isoquinoline alkaloids; several species have a history of use in traditional medicine, especially Corydalis yanhusuo for analgesia in East Asia. Because of potential toxic effects and interactions with other medicines, products containing Corydalis should be used with caution and under professional guidance when appropriate.

Some species have become naturalized outside their native ranges.