SafePlants

Lanceleaf Springbeauty (Claytonia lanceolata)

Claytonia lanceolata, commonly known as Lanceleaf Springbeauty or Western Springbeauty, is a charming wildflower belonging to the purslane family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Claytonia lanceolata Pall. ex Pursh
• Common Names: Lanceleaf Springbeauty, Western Springbeauty, Spring Beauty, Indian Potato
• Family: Montiaceae (formerly considered part of the Portulacaceae family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, with varieties including Claytonia lanceolata var. lanceolata and Claytonia lanceolata var. idahoensis.
• Synonyms: Mentions of possible synonyms exist that would have to be validated on USDA Plants database.

Distribution and Habitat

• Claytonia lanceolata is found in western and southwestern USA.
• It thrives in moist habitats, such as streambanks and alpine tundra.
• Specifically mentioned locations include the semi-arid montane habitat of eastern Washington, Idaho, and California.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• This perennial plant grows to approximately 0.2 meters (8 inches) in height.
• It is an erect, herbaceous plant.
• The plant features lance-shaped leaves.
• It produces clusters of 3 to 20 flowers, typically white to deep pink. Some variations may be orange or yellow. Flowers have five petals.
• Flowering occurs in March, with seeds ripening in May.

Ecology

• Lanceleaf Springbeauty blooms in the spring.

Quirky Facts

• Some years, the flower bears small white-petaled flowers, with pink veins and anthers for unknown reasons.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=clla2
• Discover Life: Information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• Lewis and Clark Herbarium/Academy of Natural Sciences for images.