Carl Linnaeus, famous for developing the modern scheme of binomial nomenclature, received some incorrectly labeled seeds that turned out to be Corydalis nobilis. Decedents of these plants can still be found today in his preserved garden. In fact it is an early example of a non-native plant escaping from a garden and becoming naturalized in its new home. It is believed that all of the wild Corydalis nobilis growing in Finland and Sweden are escapees from Carl Linnaeus’ garden.
Corydalis nobilis, also called the Siberian corydalis, is a very special plant. It is one of the largest corydalis, and it is a reliable perennial in northern climates. Once established, which can take a couple of years; it is a reliable bloomer in the garden.
The flower is the main attraction partly because it is yellow and bright, but mostly because it has such an unusual shape. The inflorescence is very dense with up to 40 flowers. Each golden yellow flower has dark violet markings on top. Flowers last 2-3 weeks and have a spicy fragrance.
By mid-summer, the leaves have all died back, and the plant has gone underground for a rest, allowing other later flowering plants to steal the show.
Corydalis nobilis
(kor-ID-ah-liss NO-bil-iss)
Life Cycle: perennial
Height: 60 cm (2 ft)
Bloom Time: spring
Natural Range: Siberia, Mongolia, China
Habitat: between shrubs, rocky ground, ravines
Synonyms: none
Cultivation of Corydalis nobilis:
Light: part shade to full sun
Soil: good drainage
Water: moist in spring, drier in summer
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Propagation: seed sown immediately, division after flowering
Hi, Robert,
What’s underground–roots or a tuber? I will be needing to move it temporarily, so will mark the spot and dig wide. Last fall I put two botanical tulip bulbs right in the middle of it, unwittingly, and it’s sharing the space happily!
If I remember right they just have thick roots.