Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Claytonia virginica L.
Virginia springbeauty, Springbeauty
Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
A low plant with loose clusters of pink or whitish flowers, striped with dark pink. A pair of smooth, grass-like leaves occurs halfway up the slender, 4-12 in. stem. Several pink or white flowers with darker pink veins are borne in a loose cluster in the upper part of the stem. Plant disappears from above ground shortly after the seed capsules have ripened but does not leave a large gap in the garden.
This most attractive spring
perennial is spectacular in large patches. It grows from an underground tuber like a small potato; this has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor.
Native Americans and colonists used them for food and they are still enjoyed by those interested in edible wild plants. A similar species, Carolina Springbeauty (
C. caroliniana), has broader,
oval to
oblong leaves. It is found primarily in the moist woods of the eastern mountains and extends westward to Minnesota.
Image Gallery:
21 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NS ,
ON ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to GA, w. to MN, s.e. NE, e. KS & e. TX
Native Habitat: Rich woods; thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich, moist soils. Prefers high humus.
Conditions Comments: Tolerates a variety of soils. Increases rapidly.
Benefit
Use Food: First Nations and colonists used them for food and they are still enjoyed by those interested in edible wild plants. (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2011-04-25
