Identification
This plant is a native winter annual (a small plant grows from seed in autumn and over-winters, flowering during the next growing season). Several stems grow up to 16 inches tall, with highly divided, fern-like leaves (A). The golden-yellow, spurred flowers, about 1/2 inch long, resemble tiny bananas (B).
Grows along roadsides and on waste ground, flowering in April and May. It is rare at Fontenelle Forest where isolated plants have been found in the uplands and along the railroad tracks. It has not been observed at Neale Woods to date.
Historically, physicians used a tea from this plant for menstrual irregularities, dysentery and diarrhea. Notice the the green aphids of various sizes sucking on the stem of the flower (B).
This pretty plant is a close relative of Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria).
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