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Carolina springbeauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia caroliniana var. caroliniana
Family: Portulacaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carolina Springbeauty (Claytonia caroliniana)
The Carolina Springbeauty, scientifically known as Claytonia caroliniana, is a charming wildflower heralding the arrival of spring. Also known as Wide-leaved Spring Beauty, it's a delightful sight in its native Eastern North America. Its French name is Claytonie de Caroline or Claytonie feuille-large.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Claytonia caroliniana Michx.
- Common Names: Carolina Springbeauty, Wide-leaved Spring Beauty, Good Morning Spring, Rose Elf, Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty.
- Family: Montiaceae (formerly placed in Portulacaceae).
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eastern North America.
- Prefers moist woods.
- Found in locations such as New England deciduous forests, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee uplands, and Minnesota.
- Often grows in soils that are moist or wet.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Herbaceous perennial.
- Grows from 3 to 10 inches tall.
- Features a single pair of leaves per stem.
- Flowers are small, 5-petaled, and range in color from pink to white with darker pink veins and pink-tipped stamens.
- Leaves are broader and shorter compared to the Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica), with oval to oblong shapes.
Ecological Role
- One of the earliest-flowering spring ephemerals.
- Sometimes grows mixed with Claytonia virginica.
Quirky Facts
- The entire plant, from root to blossoms, is edible.
Further Information
- Discover Life: Claytonia caroliniana - Carolina springbeauty
- Asheville Natural page describing Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana and Claytonia virginica).
- wpclipart.com has public domain images: Claytonia caroliniana