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Bird-in-a-bush

Corydalis solida

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, hedgerows, meadows, parks, riverbanks, roadsides, walls, waterside, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Purple, 4 petals
 
The inflorescence is a loose purple flower spike. The flowers are tubular with an almost straight spur and lobed bracts. The two innermost petals are slightly conjoined. 2 sepals. 6 stamens. Flowers are also sometimes red or white. They each measure about 2cm in size. Pollinated by bees.
Fruit:
A 2.5cm long capsule. In fruit in May to June.
Leaves:
A perennial with greyish, alternate, stalked leaves. The leaves are 3 to 4-ternate. The leaves are fern-like in appearance. Deciduous, in leaf from March to July.
Other Names:
Fumewort, Rock Harlequin, Solid-rooted Fumewort, Spring Fumewort.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Corydalis solida, also known as rock harlequin, is a perennial herb native to North America. It is a member of the Papaveraceae family and is closely related to plants such as poppies and opium. Rock harlequin is characterized by its clusters of small, blue or purple flowers and finely divided, fern-like leaves. It is a herbaceous plant that grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. Rock harlequin is not commonly cultivated and is not typically used for ornamental purposes. However, it is valued by some for its attractive flowers and is sometimes used in natural medicine due to its purported pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Blog

Bird-in-a-Bush (Corydalis solida) is a flowering plant species that is commonly found in North America and parts of Europe. It is a beautiful and unique plant that is known for its delicate and charming flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.

One of the most distinctive features of the Bird-in-a-Bush is its flowers, which are pink or yellow in color and have a unique shape. The flowers resemble tiny birds, hence the name "Bird-in-a-Bush". The plant also produces fern-like leaves that add a touch of greenery to the environment.

The Bird-in-a-Bush is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun, making it an ideal choice for a woodland garden or for growing under trees. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for gardeners who do not have access to a lot of water.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Bird-in-a-Bush also has medicinal properties. Its roots have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including menstrual cramps, abdominal pain, and headaches. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Another interesting fact about the Bird-in-a-Bush is that it is a member of the Corydalis genus, which consists of approximately 470 species of perennials, annuals, and biennials that are native to temperate regions of the world. Some of these species are popular garden plants, while others are grown for their medicinal properties.

In the wild, the Bird-in-a-Bush can be found growing in rocky or sandy soils, along stream banks, and in meadows and fields. It is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of growing conditions, making it a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant.

One thing to keep in mind when growing the Bird-in-a-Bush is that it is toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from children and pets. However, if grown in an area that is out of reach, it is a safe and beautiful addition to any garden.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Bird-in-a-Bush is a great choice for butterfly gardens, as it attracts a variety of butterfly species, including the painted lady and the monarch butterfly. This makes it not only a beautiful plant, but also an important one for supporting local ecosystems and wildlife.

In conclusion, the Bird-in-a-Bush is a charming and versatile plant that is well worth considering for your garden. With its delicate flowers, fern-like leaves, and attractive foliage, it is sure to add beauty and interest to any outdoor space.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map