Golden Corydalis
Corydalis aurea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Corydalis aurea is a native wildflower found across 26 states from Arizona to New York. This golden-flowered forb blooms from April through July and attracts bees and hummingbirds.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Golden corydalis is a delicate native wildflower with finely divided, fern-like foliage and clusters of bright yellow tubular flowers. This compact perennial blooms from spring through mid-summer, creating cheerful color in partially shaded areas. It works well as a groundcover or accent plant in naturalized gardens.
Growing Golden Corydalis
Grow Golden Corydalis in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
- Delicate appearance may look too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
- Small stature can appear unkempt compared to traditional landscaping
- May not provide consistent visual structure HOAs expect
Wildlife value
The tubular yellow flowers attract bees and occasionally hummingbirds during its long blooming period from April through July. Its nectar-rich blooms provide valuable early to mid-season pollinator support.
Common questions
- When does Golden Corydalis bloom?
- Corydalis aurea blooms from April through July, producing bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
- Where is Golden Corydalis native?
- Golden Corydalis is native to 26 states across the United States, from western states like Arizona and California to eastern states including New York and Pennsylvania.
- What pollinators visit Golden Corydalis?
- Corydalis aurea attracts bees and hummingbirds with its bright yellow tubular flowers.
- What growing conditions does Golden Corydalis prefer?
- This adaptable forb tolerates various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and can grow in different moisture levels from dry to moist soils.
- 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 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 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