Claytonia lanceolata (Western Spring Beauty)

A delight to the eyes, Claytonia lanceolata (Western Spring Beauty) is a charming tuberous perennial with a short stem bearing a pair of fleshy, lance-shaped leaves and loose clusters of 3-20 small, bowl-shaped, white to pink flowers. Blooming from mid-spring to mid-summer (depending on elevation), barely waiting for the snow to melt, each flower features yellow blotches near the base of each petal, five white stamens supporting pink anthers, and a white stigma. Delicate dark-purplish veins on the petals help guide bees to the nectar. One or two basal leaves may be present early in the season. Western Spring Beauty grows from a spherical, edible, underground tuber that tastes like a potato. Native Americans used the tuber for food and for animal fodder. Emerging in great profusion on spring-wet open slopes, Western Spring Beauty thrives in the rocky soil of alpine climates and makes a lovely addition to the rock garden.

• Grows up to 6-10 in. tall and wide (15-25 cm). This beauty naturalizes rapidly by bulb offsets and self-seeding.
• Easily grown in sandy, loamy, moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate using corms or seeds. Seeds should be sown as soon as they ripen. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets in spring or fall.
• Native to western North America.