SafePlants

Lanceleaf Springbeauty (Claytonia lanceolata)

Claytonia lanceolata, also known as lanceleaf springbeauty and western springbeauty, is a delicate perennial wildflower belonging to the purslane family (Portulacaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows from a bulb-like corm, which could be of interest to digging pets.
• The plant is described as fleshy and succulent.

Considerations for Children

• This plant grows from a bulb-like corm, which could be of interest to children.
• The plant is described as fleshy and succulent.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Claytonia lanceolata Pallas ex Pursh
• Common Names: Lanceleaf Springbeauty, Western Springbeauty, Siberian Spring-beauty, Siberian Miner's-lettuce, Candy Flower, Pink Purslane, Mountain Potato, Indian Potato
• Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane family)
• Synonym: Montia sibirica
• Note: Claytonia rosea Rydb. is mentioned in connection to Western Springbeauty.
• Variety: Claytonia lanceolata var. peirsonii (Peirson's Springbeauty)

Distribution and Habitat

• Claytonia lanceolata is found in western North America, including regions outside of California.
• It thrives amongst sagebrush foothills and alpine slopes.
• Specific locations mentioned include: Lolo Trail (Idaho), Indian Graves Peak (Idaho), Bird Creek Meadows on the SW side of Mt. Adams (Washington), Paradise (Mount Rainier National Park), Antoine Peak Conservation Area (Spokane County), Kamiak Butte (Washington), Okanagan Valley (British Columbia, Canada), pine woodlands at c 10,000 ft.
• It grows at altitudes of 3000-4000 ft elevation and can be found growing in ground freshly melted of snow.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a delicate, fleshy, hairless perennial, typically 5-20 cm tall.
• It grows from a bulb-like corm.
• The plant has one to several erect stems.
• Basal leaves may sometimes be absent.
• Stem leaves are a single pair that clasp the stem partway from the ground.
• Flowers are white to pink, and can even be orange or yellow.

Quirky Facts

• The corms of Western springbeauty were historically an important food source for the Ktunaxa people, known as "mountain potato" or "Indian potato".

Historical Uses

• The entire Spring Beauty plant (root to blossoms) is edible.

Further Information

• Photographs are available from the Lewis and Clark Herbarium/Academy of Natural Sciences.
• Detailed field guide information can be found at MountainNature.com.
• Additional images and information are available on Wikimedia Commons.
• Visible and ultraviolet flower photographs were taken by A.G. Blum (2013).