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Description
Golden corydalis is a spreading, yellow-flowered
member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae). It is sometimes
referred to as scrambled eggs. Stems are pale or whitish and
leafy. Leaves are dissected into numerous small segments.
The yellow flowers are irregular in shape and spurred at the
base, occurring in loose clusters at the ends of the branches
in late winter through early spring. Seeds of this plant are
black and shiny.
Distribution and Habitat
The plant is widely distributed in the western half
and central parts of Texas. It is also found north to South
Dakota, west to Utah, and in southern Nevada and Arizona.
This plant commonly grows in disturbed areas, along stream
banks, in open woods and commonly in sandy soils throughout
Texas
Regions: 5,, 7,
8, 9,
10.
Toxic Agent
This plant is reported to contain up to 10 alkaloids.
This plant is relished by sheep and as little as 2 percent
of the animal's weight can cause symptoms. Less than 5 percent
can be fatal. Although cattle and horses are reported to be
poisoned by this plant, they are generally much more resistant
to it as compared to sheep. Livestock losses in Texas due
to this plant are much less as compared to other states, such
as Arizona.
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Livestock Symptoms
Symptoms are similar for both cattle and sheep.
They often appear within minutes and usually within a few
hours of consuming corydalis.
- poisoned animals become uneasy
- muscles of the face twitch
- respiration sometimes increases to
panting
- animals stagger and fall into convulsions
Downed animals make running motions with
their feet. Diarrhea and bleating or bawling are common.
Throughout the period of symptoms, the animals bite at nearby
objects. In lethal cases, breathing and heart action slows
and after successive convulsive periods the animal dies.
Animals not lethally poisoned usually make a rapid, uneventful
recovery.
Integrated Management Strategies
Golden corydalis has not been a serious problem
in Texas. Range management practices that promote improved
range condition will help reduce losses to this plant. The
same is true for the use of proper supplemental feeding
programs. If populations are extreme, graze infested pastures
with livestock least susceptible to corydalis poisoning.
Goats are least susceptible, cattle intermediate, and sheep
are most susceptible.
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