Family: Montiaceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 160 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Claytonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Carolina springbeauty, scientifically known as Claytonia caroliniana, is a delicate yet captivating wildflower that is a harbinger of spring in the United States and Canada. First described in 1803 by the botanist Michx., this charming plant finds its natural habitat extending from Eastern Canada down to North Carolina and is prevalent throughout the eastern regions of the United States.
Belonging to the Montiaceae family, the Carolina springbeauty thrives in deciduous forests, often gracing woodland floors with its presence shortly after the snow melts. It is easily recognized by its slender, branching stems that support clusters of petite, star-shaped flowers. Each blossom, with its subtle hues of pink or white adorned with fine pink stripes, forms a beautiful contrast against the newly emerging green vegetation.
During its blooming period, which generally occurs from March to May, the Carolina springbeauty adds vibrant splashes to otherwise muted forest floors that are just awakening from winter’s grip. The flowers, around 1.5 cm in diameter, open up on sunny days and close during the night or cloudy weather, optimizing their pollination opportunities.
The leaves of the Carolina springbeauty are equally distinctive, typically lance-shaped and growing in pairs along the stems. They are smooth and succulent, providing a lush green backdrop that highlights the plant’s ethereal flowers.
In addition to its visual appeal, the Carolina springbeauty plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It serves as an essential early nectar source for pollinators such as bees. Its presence also indicates a healthy, undisturbed forest, reflecting the ecological integrity of its environment.
The Carolina springbeauty is not only celebrated for its springtime beauty but also for its adaptability and resilience. Despite its fragile appearance, this plant is well adapted to thrive in the diverse climates of its extensive range across North America.
Thus, the Carolina springbeauty, Claytonia caroliniana, stands as a splendid representation of nature’s resilience and renewal, embodying the spirit of spring with its ephemeral beauty and essential role in forest ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: carolina springbeauty, carolina spring beauty, carolina spring-beauty, wide-leaved spring beauty
Fra: claytonie de caroline, claytonie feuille-large
En: Carolina springbeauty, Carolina spring beauty, Carolina spring-beauty, Wide-leaved spring beauty
Fr: Claytonie de Caroline, Claytonie feuille-large
Synonyms
- Claytonia virginica var. latifolia (Torr.)
- Claytonia caroliniana var. spatulifolia ((DC.) W.H.Lewis)
- Claytonia spatulata (Eaton)
- Claytonia virginica var. spatulifolia (DC.)
- Claytonia caroliniana var. lewisii (McNeill)
- Claytonia dilatata (Raf.)
- Claytonia caroliniana f. latifolia (Louis-Marie)
- Claytonia caroliniana f. ovata (Louis-Marie)
- Claytonia spatulifolia (Salisb.)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 14, 2022 by Johanowicz C (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2020 by Jalissa Jolly (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by Tina Witham (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2022 by Thierry Thierry Bessière (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2020 by Nathaniel Blair (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2014 by EOL − April Byrge (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 22, 2014 by EOL − David Yeany (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 2, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by leaneh (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 3, 2020 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Keenan K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2020 by Adela Groth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Charlotte Poirier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by André Moffet (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 8, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 27, 2015 by EOL − beeboy (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084760)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:59887-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Claytonia caroliniana Michx.)