Also known as Bird In A Bush · Brebenel · Bulbous Corydalis
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Corydalis solida, commonly known as Bird-in-a-bush, is an early spring ephemeral, forming delicate carpets of pink to purple flowers on woodland floors.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial shade to full shade
25% intensity
Prefers dappled sunlight or shade, especially in warmer climates. Avoid direct hot sun.
Moderate during active growth, low when dormant
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist in spring, allow to dry slightly after flowering.
Well-drained, humus-rich
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures. Protect from extreme heat and frost during active growth.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in early spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains alkaloids, particularly bulbocapnine and corydine. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and other symptoms.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently during the growing season (spring to early summer), keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late spring/early summer.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Corydalis solida. Remove any dead or spent foliage after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
This also helps prevent the plant from reseeding excessively if unwanted, although it is not typically invasive.
Propagate by seed sown fresh in late summer or autumn, or by division of clumps in early spring or autumn. Seeds may require a period of cold stratification to germinate.
Division is best done when the plant is dormant or just starting to emerge.
Repot Corydalis solida only when the pot becomes overcrowded, typically every 2-3 years. Do this in early spring before active growth begins or in autumn after the foliage has died back.
Use a well-draining, gritty compost mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bird-In-A-Bush (Corydalis solida)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Corydalis |
| Species | Corydalis solida |
Similar in genus Corydalis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
