This is a diminutive spring ephemeral that is an annual. Even though this is an annual, it holds a worthy spot in the garden and if the conditions are proper, rich, organic humus, moist, soil in the shade, it will self seed and you should have a nice patch that fills in between some excellent companion plants like bleeding heart, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, sessile trillium, and spleenwort ferns. This is a pretty tough plant but it gives the appearance of being quite delicate in nature. It can grow up to 10" tall but rarely reaches that height. The plant arises from a single stem that is somewhat reddish and covered with very light hairs. The grayish to greenish leaves are compound and lobed. The flowers have 4 unequal petals with the uppermost petal has a short spur and toothed undulate crest. It appears to favor limestone soils and is one of the first spring flowers to bloom in the woods and will remain in flower for up to a month or more. Be aware that a tiny part of any of this plant is highly toxic and should not be eaten. It apparently does not have many problems in the garden and it isn't a great wildlife plant. This species should not be confused with the more common C. lutea, which is a much larger plant that is a perennial. Be aware, this little species will spread but it will not take over a garden and it is so lovely with the appropriate companion plants that you would regret not having it in your woodland garden.
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