PINK OR PALE CORYDALIS

(Capnoides sempervirens; Corydalis glauca of Gray) Poppy

family



Flowers - Pink, with yellow tip, about 1/2 in. long, a few borne

in a loose, terminal raceme. Calyx of 2 small sepals; corolla

irregular, of 4 erect, closed, and flattened petals joined, 1 of

outer pair with short rounded spur at base, the interior ones

narrow and keeled on back. Stamens 6, in 2 sets, Opposite outer

petals; 1 pistil. Stem: Smooth, curved, branched, 1 to 2 feet

high. Leaves: Pale grayish green, delicate, divided into

variously and finely cut leaflets. Fruit: Very narrow, erect pod,

1 to 2 in. long.

Preferred Habitat - Rocky, rich, cool woods.

Flowering Season - April-September.

Distribution - Nova Scotia westward to Alaska, south to Minnesota

and North Carolina.



Dainty little pink sacs, yellow at the mouth, hang upside down

along a graceful stem, and instantly suggest the Dutchman's

breeches, squirrel corn, bleeding heart, and climbing fumitory,

to which the plant is next of kin. Because the lark (Korydalos)

has a spur, the flower, which boasts a small one also, borrows

its Greek name.



Hildebrand proved by patient experiments that some flowers of

this genus have not only lost the power of self-fertilization,

but that they produce fertile seed only when pollen from another

plant is carried to them. Yet how difficult they make dining for

their benefactors! The bumblebee, which can reach the nectar, but

not lap it conveniently, often "gets square" with the secretive

blossom by nipping holes through its spur, to which the hive bees

and others hasten for refreshment. We frequently find these

punctured flowers. But hive and other bees visiting the blossom

for pollen, some rubs off against their breast when they depress

the two middle petals, a sort of sheath that contains pistil and

stamens.