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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Claytonia virginica L.
Virginia springbeauty, Springbeauty
Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
Synonyms: Claytonia virginica var. virginica, Claytonia media
USDA Symbol: CLVI3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A low plant with loose clusters of pink or whitish flowers, striped with dark pink. A pair of smooth, grass-like leaves occurs halfway up the slender, 4-12 in. stem. Several pink or white flowers with darker pink veins are borne in a loose cluster in the upper part of the stem. Plant disappears from above ground shortly after the seed capsules have ripened but does not leave a large gap in the garden.
This most attractive spring perennial is spectacular in large patches. It grows from an underground tuber like a small potato; this has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor. Native Americans and colonists used them for food and they are still enjoyed by those interested in edible wild plants. A similar species, Carolina Springbeauty (C. caroliniana), has broader, oval to oblong leaves. It is found primarily in the moist woods of the eastern mountains and extends westward to Minnesota.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NS , ON , QC
Native Distribution: N.S. to GA, w. to MN, s.e. NE, e. KS & e. TX
Native Habitat: Rich woods; thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich, moist soils. Prefers high humus.
Conditions Comments: Tolerates a variety of soils. Increases rapidly.
Benefit
Use Food: First Nations and colonists used them for food and they are still enjoyed by those interested in edible wild plants. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSupports Conservation Biological Control
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate using corms or seeds. Seeds should be sown as soon as they ripen.Seed Collection: Seeds mature in early summer.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleBibref 199 - National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers : Eastern Region (2001) J. W. Thieret; W. A. Niering; N. C. Olmstead
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Claytonia virginica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Claytonia virginica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Claytonia virginica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2011-04-25Research By: TWC Staff
