[1] Corydalis mucronifera is small in size (about 5 cm) and displays a variety of colors: purple, yellow, white, and cream.

The leaves would be joined in groups of three, sharing a common point in a pinnated manner, or radiate outward in a star shape.

The inflorescence has few flowers and follows a corymbose pattern, specifically, that of a racemose corymb, similar to Iberis umbellata (native to Europe and North America).

[6] In mountain ranges, it is found in eastern Xinjiang, western Gansu, southern Qinghai, and northern Tibet.

[7] Corydalis mucronifera is a low growing perennial typically found near rocky beaches and high mountain ranges at altitudes between 4200 and 5300 meters.

[7] In the 4000 m elevation zone, it is common to find it in well-weathered sand dunes, shielded by rocks, grasses, and bushes, like Salix.

[5] These consolidated sand dunes where high winds have left disturbed soils are the most common area for it to be spotted.

[5] Another common location in the 4000 m zone for C. mucronifera to be found is on the river basins flood plane, mixed in between pebbled terraces, weathered sands, and wet silt.

Corydalis mucronifera thrives in the Yellow River Basin in temperatures not exceeding 29 Celsius and is well adapted to precipitation zones ranging from 368mm/year to 600mm/yr.

[8] Although the prevalence of C. mucronifera is quite low, researchers have been able to isolate 24 specific compounds known as isoquinoline alkaloids contained in the plant.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are currently prescribed to those with neurodegenerative disorders, as research suggests that they may be beneficial to reduce the severity of the symptoms associated.

[11] It is often that isoquinoline alkaloids are being used in research to aid those with Alzheimer's disease, as one of the issues with the body is the loss of cholinergic neurons.