Family
Papaveraceae
Description
Snake pod corydalis (Corydalis ophiocarpa) is a lesser-known, self-sowing biennial or short-lived perennial native to East Asia, particularly Korea and China. It produces lacy, blue-green foliage and tubular yellow flowers, followed by slender, curved seedpods that resemble a snake in motion—hence its common name. This adaptable plant thrives in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil, where it can naturalize gently among spring ephemerals and other woodland edge perennials. Though modest in appearance, it brings early-season pollinator activity to quieter corners of the garden.
Coreydalis ophiocarpa prefers cool conditions and may go dormant in hot summer weather, re-emerging from seed the following year. It is related to bleeding hearts and other members of the poppy family, with similar alkaloid chemistry and dissected foliage patterns.
Bloom Time
April to June
