Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty)

Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty) is a charming tuberous perennial boasting loose clusters of small, star-shaped, white to pale pink flowers with delicate pink veins. Blooming in early to late spring, the blossoms are borne atop thin stems adorned with a pair of smooth, grass-like, dark green leaves. The flowers are an important spring source of nectar and pollen to a wide range of pollinators. Spring Beauty is a most attractive spring ephemeral that disappears in late spring as the plant goes into dormancy. It grows from a small, potato-like, edible, underground tuber which has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor. Native Americans and colonists used to eat them. Particularly attractive in large numbers, Claytonia virginica forms an extensive groundcover. It makes a fine addition to any shade or woodland garden or naturalized in a lawn.

• 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 humus-rich, fertile, moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers the dappled shade and moist, rich soil of the woodland. Tolerates a variety of soils, including dry soils.
• Stunning when massed in rock gardens, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• To be planted in fall, 3 in. deep (7 cm) and 3 in. apart (7 cm).
• Propagate using corms or seeds. Seeds should be sown as soon as they ripen.
• Native to eastern North America.