Corydalis ochotensis

Turcz.

Papaveraceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below 101 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A biennial reaching 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in height with hermaphrodite bee-pollinated flowers. Grows in light to medium well-drained soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Tolerates both semi-shaded woodland and open sunny conditions, preferring moist soil.

Description

A herb. It completes its life-cycle over 2 years. It grows 50-90 cm tall. The stems are often zigzag and squashy and have ridges or wings. The leaves at the base have long leaf stalks. The leaves are D shape and divided 3 times.

Edible Uses

Young plants can be cooked and eaten.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in mixed forests and beside streams.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, North Korea, Russia, Siberia, Taiwan,

Cultivation

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. Seedlings produce only one leaf in their first year and are very prone to damping off. As a biennial, this species probably germinates more easily than the perennial species.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 300 Corydalis species.

References (2)

Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 13(1):62. 1840
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/