Golden Corydalis
Corydalis aurea
Golden Corydalis is a delicate biennial or short-lived perennial with bright golden-yellow tubular flowers and finely divided fern-like foliage. This charming wildflower brightens disturbed areas and rocky slopes.
Papaveraceae (Poppy family, subfamily Fumarioideae)
Spring to late summer (May-September), with peak bloom in late spring
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: nemesias and osteospermums also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Golden Corydalis represents nature's ability to beautify disturbed landscapes. The common name "Scrambled Eggs" comes from the clusters of bright yellow flowers resembling scrambled eggs. The genus name "Corydalis" derives from Greek for "crested lark," referring to the flower's resemblance to a lark's head. This plant's transitory nature—appearing after disturbance, blooming, setting seed, then disappearing—symbolizes the cycles of renewal in nature. In New York, it's listed as Threatened, highlighting the species' rarity in some regions despite widespread distribution elsewhere. The plant's ability to colonize disturbed sites makes it an important early successional species in ecological recovery.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to various light conditions
Water
Low to moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established; prefers some moisture during growth
Soil
Sandy, Gravelly, Rocky, Well-drained, Disturbed soils
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds in fall or early spring; needs cold stratification if spring-sown
Self-seeds readily; may appear for only a few years then persist in seed bank
Biennial: produces leaves first year, flowers second year, then dies
Transitory nature makes it appear and disappear with disturbance cycles
Prefers well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soils
Tolerates various elevations (3,500-11,100 feet in some regions)
Seeds have nutrient-rich arils attractive to ants (ant-dispersed)
Hardy zones 3-8
Two subspecies: aurea and occidentalis, differing in spur length and capsule orientation
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Naturalized wildflower areas
- Rock gardens and gravelly slopes
- Cottage gardens for informal charm
- Native plant gardens
- Revegetation of disturbed sites
- Spring ephemeral displays
Traditional Uses
- TOXIC WARNING: Contains up to 10 alkaloids; poisonous to livestock
- Can be fatal to sheep at 2-5% of body weight consumption
- Symptoms include twitching, convulsions, rapid respiration, diarrhea
- Historically, corms used in Native American and Chinese traditional medicine
- Not recommended for any modern medicinal use
- Keep away from grazing animals
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Corydalis
is golden corydalis poisonous?
Yes, Golden Corydalis contains toxic alkaloids and is poisonous to livestock, especially sheep and cattle. Eating as little as 2-5% of an animal's body weight can cause convulsions and potentially be fatal. Keep away from grazing animals.
why is it called scrambled eggs?
The common name 'Scrambled Eggs' refers to the bright golden-yellow flowers that grow in dense clusters resembling scrambled eggs. The cheerful yellow color and clustered growth pattern create this distinctive appearance.
is golden corydalis annual or perennial?
Golden Corydalis is typically a biennial, producing leaves the first year and flowering in the second year before dying. It can occasionally behave as a short-lived perennial or annual depending on growing conditions.
how does golden corydalis spread?
Golden Corydalis spreads primarily by seed. The seeds have nutrient-rich appendages (arils) that attract ants, which disperse them. The plant self-seeds readily and can persist in soil seed banks, appearing after disturbances.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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