Rock Harlequin
Corydalis sempervirens
Last reviewed: July 2026
Corydalis sempervirens is a native wildflower found in Pennsylvania and other northeastern states, blooming from May through July with distinctive pink and yellow flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Rock harlequin is a delicate biennial wildflower that produces clusters of small pink and yellow tubular flowers from late spring through summer. This compact native plant forms neat clumps with finely divided, blue-green foliage that creates an airy, fern-like texture in the garden.
Growing Rock Harlequin
Grow Rock Harlequin in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rock Harlequin takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Biennial lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
- Can appear weedy or wild to conventional gardeners
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees and hummingbirds during its long blooming period from May through July. It provides habitat value for local pollinators.
Common questions
- When does Rock Harlequin bloom?
- Corydalis sempervirens blooms from May through July, producing clusters of pink and yellow tubular flowers.
- What pollinators visit Rock Harlequin?
- Rock Harlequin attracts bees and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich tubular flowers.
- Where is Corydalis sempervirens native?
- Rock Harlequin is native to Pennsylvania and other northeastern and north-central United States, typically growing in rocky or sandy soils.
- Is Rock Harlequin HOA-friendly?
- Rock Harlequin 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Rock Harlequin? 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