This rhizomatous perennial has a slender spreading reddish stems that form a mounded habit. It has mid to dark green lobed leaflets and the golden yellow tube-shaped flowers appear in nodding clusters above the foliage from late spring to early autumn.

Hardiness zones 5 to 8

Corydalis lutea is naturally found in the southern foothills of the south-west and central Alps of Italy and Switzerland but has naturalised throughout Europe including the UK, growing in woodlands or on rocky mountain slopes from sea level to an altitude of 2,500 m (8,202 ft). 

It prefers a semi-shaded to full sun protected position and it grows in sandy-stony to clay loams that are moderately fertile and moist with a pH 6.1-7.8 and is frost tolerant but drought tender and preferring a cool climate with low humidity. 

Fumewort is grown for its spreading habit and flowers. It is planted in small or alpine garden along front borders or uses a ground cover in a woodland setting. It is suitable coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 2-3 years but may be short lived. This perennial is also grown in patio pots and planter boxes or used in a shaded rockery. Under ideal conditions the plant self sows readily and may become a weed requiring control. ID 3528

Corydalis (KOH-ry-DAH-lis)   lutea (loo-TEE-ah)

Fumariaceae (foo-mar-ee-AY-see-ee)