This summer while hiking on Cliff Creek Trail toward Beckwith Pass in the Gunnison National Forest, I photographed several Case’s Fitweed (corydalis caseana) plants. It was the only spot during my trip that I saw the Case’s Fitweed – and it took me a while to identify what this unique looking plant was.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
Case’s Fitweed is a member of the fumewort family (Fumariaceae). It is native to the western United States found in California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington. In Washington, it is listed as threatened.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
Case’s Fitweed is a perennial mid-summer blooming flower. The plants grow to 3-4 feet tall. The flowers grow in spikes with many white or pink flowers. One distinctive aspect of the flowers is the purple tip. The flowers grow up to about an inch in length. It’s native habitat is shady moist mountain areas.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
Case’s Fitweed is poisonous to livestock. The alkaloids in the plant causes fits in sheep – which led to it’s common name of Fitweed. As with many plants that are toxic to livestock, people should avoid consuming Case’s Fitweed since it may be toxic to humans as well.
In 1874, the plants were named after Professor Eliphalet Lewis Case, a school teacher and plant collector.
If you’d like more information about Case’s Fitweed – here are some online sites with more info
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Southwest Colorado Wildflowers
Wildflowers by Turner Photographics
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins