Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica)

Virginia Springbeauty

(Claytonia virginica)

Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica)

Yann Kemper

Public Domain

Image By: Yann Kemper

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Claytonia virginica, commonly known as Virginia Springbeauty, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist woodlands, meadows, and stream banks in the Eastern United States and Ontario. It typically grows to 5–40 cm (2–16 in) tall, with a spread of 5–15 cm (2–6 in). The plant overwinters through a tuberous root. Springbeauty has slender, grass-like leaves and clusters of small, delicate flowers. Each flower measures 0.7–1.4 cm (0.28–0.55 in) across, with five pale pink or white petals that occasionally exhibit a rare yellow hue and have pink veins. The petals reflect UV light, which is thought to attract pollinators. The flowers are notably showy during their brief bloom time, with each individual flower lasting for three days, though the stamens are active for only a single day. Flowering occurs from March to May, varying by location and weather conditions. The seeds are shiny black, 0.2–0.3 cm (0.08–0.12 in) in diameter, and are dispersed by ants, a process facilitated by the elaiosomes attached to the seeds.

Virginia Springbeauty is valued for its early spring blooms, which can provide a delicate carpet of color in garden settings. It is often used in native plant gardens, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and can thrive in full sun to part shade. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is tolerant of spring flooding and dry summer conditions once established. Springbeauty is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to slug and snail damage. It is not known for being invasive and generally does not cause any significant problems in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist woodlands, meadows, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Virginia Spring Beauty, Eastern Spring Beauty, Narrow-Leaved Spring Beauty, Grass-Flower, Fairy Spud, Eastern Springbeauty, Claytonie De Virginie, Claytonie Feuille-Étroite, Skogssköna

Scientific Names: , Claytonia virginica, Claytonia linearis, Claytonia virginica var. virginica, Claytonia virginica f. virginica, Claytonia virginica f. robusta, Claytonia virginica var. media, Claytonia bodinii, Claytonia grandiflora, Claytonia multicaulis var. robusta

GBIF Accepted Name: Claytonia virginica L.