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alpine springbeauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia megarhiza var. nivalis
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 captivating wildflower found in high-altitude environments.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a succulent perennial.
- The plant features a thick, carrot-like root.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Claytonia megarhiza
- Common Names: Alpine Spring Beauty, Fell-fields Claytonia, Big-rooted Spring Beauty
- Family: Montiaceae (Miner's Lettuce family), also listed as Portulacaceae in some sources.
- Synonyms: Claytonia arctica, Claytonia arctica var. megarhiza
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to high-altitude regions.
- Common on summits of the Rocky Mountains.
- Plentiful on slopes of Argentine Peak.
- Found in severe high alpine scree, such as near the summit of Mt. Evans.
- Observed in Governor Basin, San Juan Mountains, at 11,000-12,000 ft.
- Also found in the high alpine tundra of Alaska.
- Observed on Mount Flora Trail.
Morphological Characteristics
- Evergreen perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) in height and 0.1 m (0ft 4in) in width.
- High-alpine succulent perennial.
- Rosette of basal leaves from a thick carrot-like root.
- Basal leaves are spoon-shaped and 1-4 inches long.
Growth Habits
- Hardy to zone (UK) 4.
- In leaf as early as January 12th.
- Flowers from April. Flowering can extend into the summer months (June, July, August).