About Corydalis aurea Willd.
Corydalis aurea Willd., commonly called scrambled eggs, golden smoke, or golden corydalis, is a flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. This species has a broad distribution across North America and can grow successfully in many different ecosystems, with a number of distinct traits. Its fruit is very similar in appearance to a pea pod, and usually reaches around 3/4 of an inch in length. Corydalis aurea has both multiple medicinal uses and garden uses. It is native to North America, with a range that extends from western Quebec to California. It can also be found in the states of Missouri, Texas, and West Virginia, as well as throughout the New England states. It is a winter annual. It grows in areas including sagebrush steppe, and thrives in a wide variety of other habitats: mountain meadows, prairies, and well-wooded areas. It can also be found at the bottom of shaded creek beds, and in thickets growing along gravel grades. It was traditionally used medicinally by Amerindians. A tea made from the plant was used to relieve symptoms of heart disease, backaches, stomach aches, menstruation pain, diarrhea, sore throats, and bronchitis, among other conditions. Smoke and fumes from burning the plant's roots were used to relieve headache pain. As an ornamental plant, it is uncommonly grown in artificial garden habitats such as rock gardens.
