Uniquely identifiable characteristics : There is no other plant quite like this.

The Genus Pseudofumaria used to belong to the Fumariaceae (Fumitory) Family but has since been re-assigned to the Papaveraceae (Poppy Family).

A PROTOPINE ALKALOID Yellow Corydalis, as well as a few other members of the Corydalis Family, contain TetrahydroPalmatine, an protopine group alkaloid used as a sedative, analgesic and tranquilizer which is marketed worldwide under various brand names, but as with most drugs, is not without side effects, and in this case are sometimes quite dangerous relating to the heart and lungs. Tetrahydropalmatine blocks dopamine, a neurotransmitter found within the brain and the dysfunction of which is involved in Parkinsons Disease. Very similar to Palmatine.

AN APORPHINE ALKALOID Corydalis'es including Yellow Corydalis, and Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) contain the isoquinoline aporphine group alkaloid Bulbocapnine, which has been used to treat muscular spasms and nystagmus (eye twitches). It is an acetylcholineesterase inhibitor, meaning it inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, which then builds up in the human body. Dicentra and Corydalis can cause the fatal poisoning of any sheep which may eat the plant. Bulbocapnine was made famous by your author William S. Burroughs in his book "Naked Lunch" where torture victims were made compliant by the drug. Bulbocapnine is related to Glaucine and Roemarine, alkaloids found within some members of the Poppy Family, and to others found in Barberry.

Yellow Corydalis has asymmetric leaves reminiscent of those of Moschatel.