How much sun does Yellow Harlequin need?

Yellow Harlequin grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Yellow Harlequin bloom?

Yellow Harlequin blooms in April and May.

Where is Yellow Harlequin native?

Yellow Harlequin (Corydalis flavula) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Yellow Harlequin toxic to livestock?

Yellow Harlequin is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Yellow Harlequin attract?

Yellow Harlequin draws bees and flies.

Is Yellow Harlequin HOA-friendly?

Yellow Harlequin takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Yellow Harlequin

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Corydalis flavula

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Yellow Harlequin (Corydalis flavula) 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.

Yellow Harlequin is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Yellow harlequin is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small, bright yellow tubular blooms in spring. This diminutive plant forms small clumps with finely divided, feathery foliage and typically completes its lifecycle by early summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Yellow Harlequin 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.

Very small size makes it appear sparse in landscaping
Dies back completely by midsummer leaving gaps
Annual nature creates inconsistent appearance year to year

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract native bees and flies during its brief spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides early season nectar when few other flowers are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow Harlequin need?: Yellow Harlequin grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Yellow Harlequin bloom?: Yellow Harlequin blooms in April and May.
Where is Yellow Harlequin native?: Yellow Harlequin (Corydalis flavula) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Yellow Harlequin toxic to livestock?: Yellow Harlequin is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Yellow Harlequin attract?: Yellow Harlequin draws bees and flies.
Is Yellow Harlequin HOA-friendly?: Yellow 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 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 Yellow Harlequin? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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