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alpine springbeauty

Scientific Name: Claytonia megarhiza var. bellidifolia

Family: Portulacaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alpine Spring Beauty (Claytonia megarhiza)

The Alpine Spring Beauty, scientifically known as Claytonia megarhiza, is a charming wildflower found in high-altitude environments. It's a perennial herb that adds a splash of color to rocky summits and alpine slopes.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a succulent perennial.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Claytonia megarhiza (A. Gray) Parry ex S. Watson
  • Common Names: Alpine Spring Beauty, Fell-fields Claytonia, Big-rooted Spring Beauty
  • Family: Montiaceae (Miner's Lettuce family), also listed as Portulacaceae
  • Synonyms: Claytonia arctica, Claytonia arctica var. megarhiza

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Rocky Mountains.
  • Found on summits and slopes, including those of Argentine Peak and Mount Evans.
  • Observed in locations such as Governor Basin in the San Juan Mountains, above Ouray, at elevations of 11,000-12,000 feet.
  • Also found in the high alpine tundra of Alaska.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen perennial.
  • Grows to a height of approximately 0.2 meters (8 inches) and a width of 0.1 meters (4 inches).
  • Succulent perennial.
  • Forms a rosette of basal leaves emerging from a thick, carrot-like root.
  • Basal leaves are spoon-shaped, measuring 1-4 inches in length.
  • Flowers bloom from April.

Other Relevant Information

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 4.
  • Typically in leaf by January 12th.
  • It is one of the first spring wildflowers in some vegetation zones.
  • Prefers neutral soil.
  • Suitable for container gardening, flowerbeds, borders, and rock gardens.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A community where individuals share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • California Academy of Sciences: Source of photo ID 8253 3202 3489 0079, credited to Gerald and Buff Corsi (1999).
  • VanDusen Botanical Garden Association fonds: Includes botanical specimens of Claytonia megarhiza.
  • Wikimedia Commons: Features images of Claytonia megarhiza.