Corydalis paczoskii aka Corydalis Paczoskii

Corydalis paczoskii also goes by the name Paczoski corydalis. It is in Papaveraceae, the poppy family. Kew gives its native range as southern Ukraine through Crimea to the northwestern Caucasus. The Chicago Botanic Garden lists only Crimea as its range. It places the plant in woods where trees shed their leaves. It also notes growth among shrubs on high plateaus. Kew says it grows in temperate climates. The RHS says it is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This small plant grows from a tuber beneath the soil. It forms a low mound, not an upright clump. Chicago gives its height as about 0.42 feet [0.13 metres]. It gives the same size for its width. Its fine leaves range from dark green to blue-green. The leaves have a light, split form, like a maidenhair fern. Leaves and flowers come out at the same time. Both leaves and blooms add colour in its brief spring show.

The flowers have spurs and a pinkish-lilac base colour. Their dark purple lips stand out against this shade. Chicago lists pink, lavender and purple as flower colours. Its bloom chart spans March through June in two back-to-back periods. The account calls it an early spring ephemeral. This means its growth above ground lasts a short time. It goes dormant as warmth rises in early summer. Thus, the leafy mound does not stay on view all summer. Bear this short season in mind when choosing its place.

Chicago lists full sun and part shade as suitable. It calls for moist soil and USDA hardiness zones 5–8. The garden notes its use beneath trees that shed their leaves. This site suits its spring growth and early summer dormancy. The account gives no soil texture or pH range. It gives no distinct plan for watering during dormancy. The evidence does not tell us what these needs are.

Uses include borders, bedding and groundcover. It can also grow beneath taller plants. Chicago lists use as a specimen, grown on its own for show. Its small size and low mound suit these uses. The garden notes interest for both birds and butterflies. It does not say which plant parts draw them. The sources give no fruit or seed details for this species. They give no evidence on whether people can eat it. Nor do they cover toxicity, pests or diseases. These gaps do not mean the plant is safe to eat.