SafePlants

Lanceleaf Springbeauty (Claytonia lanceolata)

Claytonia lanceolata, also known as Lanceleaf Spring Beauty or Western Spring Beauty, is a charming wildflower belonging to the purslane family (Montiaceae).

Considerations for Pets and Children:

• This is a small plant.
• It grows from 2 to 6 inches tall.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Claytonia lanceolata
• Common Names: Lanceleaf Spring Beauty, Western Spring Beauty, Spring Beauty, Indian Potato
• Family: Montiaceae (purslane family)
• Synonyms: The text mentions that Claytonia lanceolata is in the Montia family, so Montia may be a previous designation.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Authority: Claytonia lanceolata Pall. ex Pursh
• Subspecies: The text mentions Claytonia lanceolata var. idahoensis and Claytonia lanceolata var. lanceolata.

Distribution and Habitat:

• This wildflower is found in western and southwestern USA.
• It thrives in semi-arid montane habitats, including moist streambanks in alpine tundra.
• Observed locations include areas along the Lolo Trail in Idaho, perhaps on Indian Graves Peak, and Cook Hill.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Claytonia lanceolata is a perennial herbaceous plant, growing to a height of 0.2 meters (approximately 8 inches).
• It has lance-shaped leaves, typically one to a few.
• The flowers are small and showy, ranging in color from white to pink, and even orange or yellow in some instances. They have five petals.

Life Cycle:

• It is a perennial plant, hardy to zone 5 (UK).
• Flowering occurs in March, and seeds ripen in May.

Further Information:

• USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=clla2
• Sondahl.com: http://www.sondahl.com
• Discover Life's page: Information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Claytonia lanceolata
• Lewis and Clark Herbarium/ Academy of Natural Sciences.