Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica, Sp. Pl.: 204 (1753))

Family: Montiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 204 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Claytonia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Springbeauty, scientifically known as Claytonia virginica, is a captivating perennial wildflower belonging to the Montiaceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, Species Plantarum, the Springbeauty has continued to enchant botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Native to a broad range encompassing Southeast Canada and stretching down through the Central and Eastern United States, the Springbeauty thrives in wooded areas and shady glades. This resilient species heralds the arrival of spring with its delicate, five-petaled blooms that display a charming array of white to pink hues, often adorned with fine, dark pink veins. The flowers open fully on sunny days, revealing yellow anthers that attract a variety of early pollinators such as bees and flies.

Springbeauty plants usually stand at about 3-6 inches tall, and its slender, grass-like leaves emerge from an underground tuber that stores nutrients. The tuber is not just a vital part of the plant’s anatomy; Indigenous peoples historically recognized its nutritional value, often harvesting and consuming it as a starchy vegetable.

As an early bloomer, Claytonia virginica plays an essential role in its ecosystem, offering one of the first foraging opportunities for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. The plant’s brief flowering period, generally from late March to mid-May, aligns perfectly with this critical time, showcasing nature’s intricate timing.

In addition to its ecological importance, the Springbeauty’s aesthetic appeal makes it a beloved garden plant for those looking to cultivate native flora. It requires minimal care once established, provided it is planted in well-drained, moist soil with partial to full shade—conditions that mimic its natural woodland habitat.

Overall, the Springbeauty’s delicate, ephemeral nature and its importance to early-season pollinators underscore its value in both natural and managed landscapes. This charming wildflower, steeped in botanical history and ecological significance, remains a symbol of spring’s quiet, yet potent beauty.

Common Names

Eng: eastern springbeauty, fairy spud, narrow-leaved spring beauty, springbeauty, virginia springbeauty, eastern spring beauty, purslane, virginia spring beauty
Fra: claytonie de virginie, claytonie feuille-étroite
Swe: skogssköna
En: Springbeauty, Fairy spud, Virginia springbeauty, Eastern springbeauty, Narrow-leaved spring beauty, Eastern spring beauty, Purslane, Virginia spring beauty
Fr: Claytonie de Virginie, Claytonie feuille-étroite
Sv: Skogssköna

Synonyms

• Claytonia virginica f. lutea (R.J.Davis)
• Claytonia virginica f. micropetala (Fernald)
• Claytonia virginica var. media (DC.)
• Claytonia virginica var. simsii ((Sweet) R.J.Davis)
• Claytonia virginica var. hammondiae ((Kalmb.) Doyle, Lewis & D.B.Snyder)
• Claytonia virginica f. robusta ((Somes) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
• Claytonia bodinii (Holz.)
• Claytonia acutiflora ((DC.) Sweet)
• Claytonia ozarkensis (John M.Mill. & K.L.Chambers)
• Claytonia cautiflora (Sweet)
• Claytonia multicaulis var. robusta (Somes)
• Claytonia virginica f. hammondiae (Kalmb.)
• Claytonia simsii (Sweet)
• Claytonia robusta ((Somes) Rydb.)
• Claytonia grandiflora (Sweet)
• Claytonia virginica var. graminifolia (Gatt.)
• Claytonia virginica var. acutiflora (DC.)
• Claytonia media ((DC.) Link)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by Emily Wickett (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by Karen Eakley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Rebekah Marquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2018 by David Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Alison (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Danielle Danielle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Diane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by wila0 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Bee A (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 11, 2015 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 1, 2013 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 12, 2016 by EOL − ckrato (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 28, 2013 by EOL − AllenS (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by j laserblast (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 26, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 11, 2015 by EOL − jessicaross2014 (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319144-2)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084745)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Claytonia virginica L.)

Specifications

Growth