Corydalis pallida

Corydalis pallida is in the poppy family, Papaveraceae. Its native range includes southeastern China and Sakhalin. It also includes central and southern Japan. It grows in temperate regions, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future calls it a biennial, a plant with a two-year life. Kew lists both biennial and perennial plants; the latter live for more years. Its reported height is about 1 foot [0.3 metres].

In the wild, it grows in open or disturbed sites. These include gaps in forests and the edges of woods. It also grows in windbreaks and on burned ground. Other sites include stony slopes and gravel by streams. These records cover both wooded sites and more open ground. The sources give no leaf, stem, or fruit details for this species. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers. The evidence does not say when it blooms.

In gardens, it prefers moist soil that drains well. It grows in light sandy soil and medium loam. The soil can be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. It prefers part shade but can grow without shade. Suggested sites include a woodland garden or a shaded edge. A peat bed is a further choice. Its small size suits the low layer of a planting. The sources give no hardiness zone or width at full growth. Plants For A Future says rabbits seem to leave it alone.

Seed needs care, as drying soon makes it less able to sprout. Sow fresh seed on the surface and keep it moist. One report says seeds sprout within one to three months at 15°C. Another says they sprout in spring. Stored seed may benefit from two warm months, then cold stratification, a cold treatment. Seedlings may grow just one leaf in their first year. They are also very prone to damping off. This disease is a key concern when raising new plants.

Plants For A Future lists the leaves as edible. It describes cooking the young plant but gives it a low food rating. Its safety note warns of possible toxic effects elsewhere in the genus. This warning does not prove that this species is toxic. Nor does the food record prove that it is safe. That source knows of no use as medicine or for other needs. It also lists no weed potential.