Claytonia virginica

Claytonia virginica

Claytonia virginica

Spring Beauty
Binomial:	Claytonia virginica
Family:	Portulacaceae

Claytonia virginica (Eastern spring beauty or fairy-spuds) is a flowering plant in the family Portulacaceae, native to eastern North America. It is found in moist woods and clearings.

Description

It is a trailing plant growing to 5-40 cm long. The leaves are slender lanceolate, 3-14 cm long and 5-13 mm broad, with a 6-20 cm long petiole. The flowers are 7-14 mm diameter, with five pale pink or white (rarely yellow) petals, flowering is between March and May.

Growing Conditions

Claytonia virginica is native to open woodlands with dry to moist soils, and performs best when these conditions are replicated in the garden. The foliage is somewhat ephemeral and becomes ratty by late summer, so it should either be planted in lawns or where taller plants will hide the dieback.