Corydalis

[ncole]

I am trying to figure out what the difference is between Corydalis ochroleuca and the WHITE form of C. lutea.  I think I am correct in thinking they are two different plants.  Someone gave me this white Corydalis which does acts like the lutea in its' reseeding habit. 

[ErnieC123]

Hey Nancy !
I can't help you at moment about the difference of the two white Corydalis!
I can only send you a picture of my Corydalis ochroleuca, maybe it helps you.


Is it similar to yours?

[RickR]

It is normal for C. ochroleuca to be white with green and yellow, as in Ernie's pic.  I have never seen a white C. lutea, but it would be my guess that it would only be white?

Corydalis ochroleuca

              

[Hoy]

C lutea is much hardier! And it has a different growth habit although it is difficult to explain. It is easier when you see both plants together.

[ncole]

Thanks.  I have tried posting a picture but to no avail.  Mine has a little yellow (thing) hanging out of its' white flower and otherwise looks just like lutea.  It seems every bit a hardy as the lutea.  Someone said you can tell the difference with seeds..(one being much shiner thant the other).  ??

[ncole]

 

[Lori S.]

Nancy, from searching the internet, I can't find any references to a white-flowered form of Corydalis lutea occurring, but your plant certainly looks exactly like C. ochroleuca. 

[ncole]

I just now found a site that referred to a Corydalis lutea 'Alba' but do not know whether this is right or wrong.  I remember having ochroleuca awhile back and it seemed to just not like it in my garden.. this one reseeds all over.  Go figure.  Thanks Lori.

[ncole]

http://www.armitageimages.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=stock.detail&itemID=10619     I am assuming this is what I have now.. Many thanks

[Lori S.]

Ooops, I clearly didn't look hard enough! 
It's often difficult to find actual descriptions of European plants for some reason... if descriptions could be found, then one could figure out the defining differences between C. ochroleuca and C. lutea ('Alba').

[RickR]

Many (if not most) of us have experienced the same phenomenon as you may have, Nancy: where we have trouble establishing a species in the garden, but once we do, it is never a problem again.  So I wouldn't necessarily believe that such a difference means a different species, although it could.

I see your suspect corydalis also has green in the flowers, just like C. ochroleuca.  But I have never seen any green in C. lutea flowers.

[ncole]

This particular plant was given to me so I can't go back and check on any order.  It would be interesting to see them side by side..maybe I will order another ochroleuca and compare.  Thanks again.

[ncole]

http://www.floralimages.co.uk/page.php?taxon=pseudofumaria_alba,1&ad=2    could this be what I have or is it the same as ohroleucha

[RickR]

Yes, Pseudofumaria alba and Corydalis ochroleuca are synonyms. 

[ncole]

thanks