Corydalis ochotensis

Corydalis ochotensis belongs to the poppy family, Papaveraceae. Kew places its native range in central and southern Korea and central Japan. Plants For A Future gives a wider Asian distribution. This includes parts of Russia, China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. That source also records mountain habitats in central Japan. Kew describes its life cycle as annual or biennial. The RHS treats garden plants as biennials.

The plant forms a mound and has a taproot. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. A few light green leaves grow on long stalks. Their fine, divided look gives the foliage a fernlike texture. The leaves are deciduous, rather than evergreen. Yellow flowers grow in loose groups of up to ten. Each tubular bloom has a maroon tip and a downward-curving spur. Flowering runs from the middle of summer through late autumn.

Grow this species in full sun or partial shade. The RHS recommends a sheltered site with soil that drains well. Suitable soils include chalk, loam and sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all fall within its stated range. The soil can stay moist, but should still drain freely. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. This covers winter lows of about 5–14°F [-15 to -10°C]. Plants For A Future suggests dappled woodland shade or a shady edge.

Its mound shape and long flowering season suit beds and borders. The RHS also lists rock gardens and informal cottage gardens. Courtyards, patios and containers offer other places to grow it. The plant needs no pruning. Sow ripe seed promptly in pots within a cold frame. Germination may be uneven, so seed raising can give mixed results. The RHS also lists spring division as a propagation method. Slugs and snails may damage plants. The RHS reports few disease problems.

Plants For A Future lists leaves as an edible part. It describes cooking the young plant and gives edibility a low score. This food-use record does not establish that eating it is safe. The source lists no known medicinal uses or other practical uses. It also reports no weed potential for this species.