Also known as Corydalis lutea
Native to the Swiss and Italian Alps
Herbaceous perrenial growing 1-1.5 feet in height.
Leaves are deep green and irregularly shaped.
Does well in most soil conditions, but prefers rich, moist soils that rarely dry out.
Intolerant of both hot and humid summer conditions and wet winters.
Aggressively self-seeds when possible.
Resists most common pets and diseases.
Hardiness Zones 3-9
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
Its name alluudes to the theory that it was once used as a fumigant, or an insect-killing poison, which caused people's eyes to water.
It was allegedly burnt during exorcisms and spells of witchcraft.
The corms of the plant may cause hallucinations.
Specimen photographed found on St. Stephen Street, Boston, Massachusetts, Part of the Spontaneous Urban Plants assignment (10/13/2021)
Plant History and Etymology
Corydalis comes from the Greek korydalis, meaning "lark" in reference to its flower shape resembling a lark. Psuedofumaria is in reference to another genus, Fumaria, which means "smoke of the earth" in reference to these plants' smokey smell and rising smoke-like form. The prefix pseudo- means "false". Lutea means "yellow". It made its way out of the Alps sometime before the 16th century, where it was known to have been grown as an ornamental. It was first noted in the wild in 1796, and spread to America as a wild plant around this time as well. It can often be found growing along walls and curbs in cracks.
Design Considerations
The bright yellow, trumpet shaped flower is showy and remains in bloom for a long time, from May through October, creating interest for most of the year. As it spreads rapidly but is not particularly invasive or weedy, it makes a good groundcover, border, or rock garden plant.
Sources
2021. Wssa.net. 2021. https://wssa.net/wp-content/themes/WSSA/WorldOfWeeds/fumitory.html#:~:text=INTRODUCTION%20AND%20ETYMOLOGY&text=In%201753%2C%20Linnaeus%20established%20the,1978%3B%20Le%20Strange%201977)..
C. Preston, et al., New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora, 2002: 119.
“YELLOW FUMITORY - Highbury Wildlife Garden.” 2018. Highbury Wildlife Garden. October 2, 2018. http://highburywildlifegarden.org.uk/the-garden/bees-faves/yellow-fumitory/