Golden Corydalis
Corydalis aurea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Golden Corydalis is a low-growing forb that blooms from April through July, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers in rocky slopes, open woods, and disturbed ground.
Toxicity unknown
Golden Corydalis (Corydalis aurea) 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 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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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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?
- Golden Corydalis typically flowers from April through July, with the peak display often in late spring.
- What pollinators visit Golden Corydalis?
- Bees and hummingbirds are the primary visitors, drawn to the tubular yellow flowers for nectar.
- What growing conditions does Golden Corydalis prefer?
- It does best in part sun with medium moisture, though it also tolerates drier, rockier soils and brighter, more open sites.
- Is Golden Corydalis a perennial?
- It usually behaves as a short-lived biennial or annual, dying back after setting seed each year.
- 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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Golden Corydalis? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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