Climbing corydalis

Climbing corydalis (Corydalis claviculata) grows on acid soils in woods and other shady places. It is found throughout the British Isles apart from the far north of Scotland.

The plant produces thin stems that bear leaves of three to five segments and tendrils that branch out to grasp the stems of other plants, much as pea plants do. It grows to around 32 inches (80 centimetres) in height.

The flowers are cream-coloured and funnel-shaped, growing in clusters (of around six) with each flower attached to the stem via a short stalk. The petals of each flower are adapted to provide insects with an easy means of finding nectar, with the lowest petal being shaped at its end like a spoon to provide a suitable landing pad. The name “corydalis” is Greek for crested lark, because the shape of the flower was thought to resemble that of the crested lark’s head.

Climbing corydalis has been used for medicinal purposes in the past. In the 13th century its roots were used to make a potion for “dispelling melancholy” and it has been found to be beneficial in treating disorders of the digestive system.

© John Welford