Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Claytonia lanceolata
Claytonia lanceolata Pall. ex Pursh
Western Spring Beauty, Lanceleaf Spring Beauty, Spring Beauty, Indian Potato
Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: CLLA2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC , SK
Native Distribution: B.C. to s. CA, e. to Alt. & NM
Native Habitat: Spring-moist, sagebrush foothills to alpine slopes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil 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
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACW | FAC |
Additional resources
USDA: Find Claytonia lanceolata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Claytonia lanceolata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Claytonia lanceolata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2013-06-21Research By: TWC Staff