Corydalis aurea, commonly known as Golden Corydalis, is a winter annual herb native to various habitats across North America, including open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky slopes. It is characterized by its blue-green, fern-like foliage and bright yellow, tubular flowers that bloom from April to July, adding a vibrant splash of color to the landscape. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-40 centimeters and produces slender, cylindrical seed capsules after flowering.

Golden Corydalis is valued for its early spring blooms and can be used to add seasonal interest in rock gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low-maintenance, preferring well-drained soils and tolerating a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes, its ornamental appeal lies in its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Gardeners should note that although it is not aggressive, it can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions, which may require management in small garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0