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Golden Corydalis

Corydalis micrantha

Last reviewed: August 2026

Golden Corydalis (Corydalis micrantha)
Photo: USFWSmidwest / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Golden Corydalis (Corydalis micrantha) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AR, IA, IL, KS and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Corydalis micrantha is a delicate annual wildflower that grows 4-12 inches tall with small, finely divided leaves. It produces tiny tubular flowers in spring and early summer, thriving in partial shade with minimal water needs. This small native forb naturally fills gaps in garden beds and woodland edges.

In an HOA neighborhood

Golden Corydalis takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual nature means gaps when plants die back
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
  • Self-seeding habit may create unpredictable garden appearance

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its spring to early summer bloom period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Golden Corydalis need?
Golden Corydalis grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Golden Corydalis bloom?
Golden Corydalis blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Golden Corydalis native?
Golden Corydalis (Corydalis micrantha) is native to AR, IA, IL, KS and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Golden Corydalis attract?
Golden Corydalis draws bees and beetles.
Is Golden Corydalis HOA-friendly?
Golden Corydalis takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Golden Corydalis? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz