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Native Plant Database

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Claytonia lanceolata (Western spring beauty)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Claytonia lanceolata Pall. ex Pursh

Western spring beauty, Lanceleaf spring beauty, Spring beauty, Indian potato

Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)

USDA Symbol: clla2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This springbeauty has from one to a few strap-shaped, basal, fleshy leaves. The short flower stalk bears a pair of stem leaves and short clusters of five-petaled flowers. Plant size is dependent on size of the corm and local conditions. Size ranges from 2-10 in. tall. A small, slender, delicate plant with a pair of succulent leaves at midstem and a loose raceme of white, pink, or rose, bowl-shaped flowers. Flowers are usually white to pink, but can be pale yellow or orange.

As the name suggests, Western springbeauty blooms in the spring, barely waiting for the snow to melt. This perennial grows from a deeply buried, spherical, underground stem; when cooked, the stem tastes like a potato.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , BC , SK
Native Distribution: B.C. to s. CA, e. to Alt. & NM
Native Habitat: Spring-moist, sagebrush foothills to alpine slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Spring-moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Propagate using corms or seeds. Seeds should be sown as soon as they ripen.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Claytonia lanceolata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Claytonia lanceolata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Claytonia lanceolata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-05-14
Research By: TWC Staff

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