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Native Plant Society of Texas

Curvepod

Corydalis curvisiliqua

Other common name(s):

Curvepod Fumewort, Scrambled Eggs, Golden Smoke

Family:

Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, High Plains, Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Bastrop Lost Pines, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Canadian/Cimarron High Plains
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Semiarid Edwards Bajada
Northern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

0.5
to
0.75
ft.

Spread

6
to
16
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Gravelly, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Seeds

Wildlife Benefit

Birds

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Too much shade can make plant leggy. Trim back for a denser form if desired. WARNING: can be poisonous to livestock. Propagation: seed, stem cutting, clump division.

Comments

Blooms February-April. Short-lived perennial or annual depending on growing conditions. Has erect stems with leaves cut deeply into many sections. The showy flowers are pale yellow, with 4 petals, the outer 2 petals enclosing the inner 2. One petal has a short, straight, saclike spur at the base. They appear in clusters at the end of stems. The fruit is an erect, slender, strongly in-curved capsule, with black, shiny seeds. Birds eat the seeds.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification The seeds will germinate after a short dormancy period; they can be planted during the fall or early spring. Collect seeds from mature Corydalis curvisiliqua plants in late spring. Ensure the seeds are fully ripe and dry before storage. This step is vital to ensure high germination rates and avoid fungal growth. 1) https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/lb_corydalis.htm 2) https://seedsource.com/scrambled-eggs/ 3) https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/corydalis-curvisiliqua/
Stem Cutting Each cutting should be 4-6 inches long, with at least two nodes, to ensure successful propagation. Take cuttings from healthy growth, ideally during early spring, when the plant is actively growing. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/corydalis-curvisiliqua/
Clump Division Use a sharp spade to separate the tubers, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. This method rejuvenates older plants and encourages vigorous growth. Divide mature Corydalis curvisiliqua clumps in early spring. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/corydalis-curvisiliqua/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason