Hollowroot
Corydalis cava
Also listed as Capnites cava, Pistolochia cava
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A spring ephemeral with delicate purple or white tubular flowers that bloom before tree leaves fully emerge. The plant dies back to its underground tuber by early summer.
Why grow it
Corydalis cava offers earlier spring color than many competing ephemerals, often blooming while snow still melts. Its delicate tubular flowers in purple or white provide nectar for early pollinators before deciduous canopy closure, making it valuable in woodland understory plantings where light becomes limited by late spring. Compared to related Corydalis species, it establishes readily from tubers in appropriate sites and naturalizes dependably over time.
Watch out for
These plants prefer consistent moisture during their active growth period but can rot in waterlogged soil over winter, so drainage matters more than initial moisture levels. Tubers are small and easily buried too deep or displaced during garden cultivation, so mark planting locations to avoid accidental disturbance during dormancy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native Range
Central and Eastern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A spring ephemeral with delicate purple or white tubular flowers that bloom before tree leaves fully emerge. The plant dies back to its underground tuber by early summer.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hollowroot grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Corydalis cava offers earlier spring color than many competing ephemerals, often blooming while snow still melts. Its delicate tubular flowers in purple or white provide nectar for early pollinators before deciduous canopy closure, making it valuable in woodland understory plantings where light becomes limited by late spring. Compared to related Corydalis species, it establishes readily from tubers in appropriate sites and naturalizes dependably over time.
Watch out for
These plants prefer consistent moisture during their active growth period but can rot in waterlogged soil over winter, so drainage matters more than initial moisture levels. Tubers are small and easily buried too deep or displaced during garden cultivation, so mark planting locations to avoid accidental disturbance during dormancy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native Range
Central and Eastern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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