Claytonia virginica (Virginia Spring Beauty)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Claytonia |
| Family: | Portulacaceae (Purslane) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade; moist woods |
| Bloom season: | April - June |
| Plant height: | 3 to 6 inches |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACU MW: FACU NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pink/spring-beauty_0504_111150.jpg)
Flowers are in a raceme at the top of the plant that elongates to several inches as the plant matures. Each flower is ½ inch across with 5 pale pink to white petals with darker pink veins, and 5 stamens with deep pink tips. The flowers close up at night and on cloudy days. Closed flowers and buds nod down and become erect when the flower opens. One plant has a single cluster of 5 or more flowers, though not all may be open at the same time.
Leaves:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pink/spring-beauty_0504_110611.jpg)
A single pair of leaves are oppositely attached about midway up the stem. There may also be a few leaves around the base of the plant. Leaves are very narrow, up to 6 inches long and ¼ inch wide, have a prominent central vein, smooth edges, and curve downward.
Fruit:
![[photo of developing fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pink/claytonia-virginica-spring-beauty_0526_115456.jpg)
Fruit is a round capsule containing a few round seeds.
Notes:
A similar species is Carolina Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) but leaves on the latter are shorter and much wider, and is a much less common plant.
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More photos
Virginia Spring Beauty plant
more flowers
Virginia Spring Beauty habitat
a group of Virginia Spring Beauty plants
some more flowers
more plants
Virginia Spring Beauty in early evening
Virginia Spring Beauty plant
more flowers
Virginia Spring Beauty habitat
a group of Virginia Spring Beauty plants
some more flowers
more plants
Virginia Spring Beauty in early eveningPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Battle Creek Park, Ramsey County, and Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Rice County, and in Mille Lacs County. Other photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2009-05-08 05:53:57
This plant is seen growing in Douglas County at Lake Carlos State Park, Minnesota
on: 2010-04-11 22:31:47
I saw several of these plants today (Sunday, April 11) while on a walk.
on: 2013-12-24 18:11:20
This plant was abundant at Bur Oak Wildlife Management Area in Le Sueur County in May 2013 (it would probably be earlier in a more normal season). It was the most abundant spring ephemeral at the site (though not distributed throughout the entire site), followed by Dutchman's Breeches.
on: 2014-05-08 08:57:54
Spring Beauties are flowering heavily at Bur Oak WMA in Le Sueur County right now, often forming a carpet on the forest floor. If someone else visits, they occur almost exclusively in approximately the northwest quarter of the easternmost wooded section of the WMA.Dutchman's Breeches and Bloodroot are also in bloom there. I'll also note that I have not yet visited the western forested section of the WMA, which is separated from the eastern section by water.
on: 2015-05-20 19:50:24
There were lots of these blooming along the Terrace Loop trail in Wild River State Park the weekend of May 9.
on: 2016-05-08 13:07:35
Found several of these blooming in the middle of the Hope Trail loop at Nerstrand-Big Woods St Pk.
on: 2016-05-16 11:11:10
The forest floor on Oberg Mountain near Lutzen, MN was resplendent with Claytonia virginica yesterday on a sunny Sunday afternoon 5/15/16.
on: 2017-05-02 21:04:00
5/2/2017 Several blooming along trail to Hidden Falls.
on: 2017-05-08 08:47:45
I found these growing in a part of the lawn that was not mowed for about three weeks. Semi-shade near a birch tree (we planted). I will search for more in a lightly wooded area nearby. Flowers were petite light pink. I tried to dig to move to a less disturbed area, but don't know if that will work.
on: 2018-05-02 14:55:27
These are out in abundance right now at Oxbow Park in Byron, MN!
on: 2018-05-13 08:19:44
Beautiful large patch 5/12/18.
on: 2019-04-17 01:11:54
These have just begun blooming at Oxbow Park.
on: 2019-05-14 17:01:14
We have had a few plants in one area of our backyard for years. I look forward to seeing them each year. Blooming now.
on: 2019-06-02 07:00:53
On 5/31, found a hillside covered with these, in full bloom.
on: 2020-02-13 02:48:24
Such delicate little plants, always done blooming too soon.
on: 2020-05-02 15:05:36
We have this growing and spreading (with some assistance) on east side of yard of an old house, around where there used to be a large basswood tree. It continues to spread, especially perhaps after last season's high rainfall. We avoid mowing this area of the lawn until it's gone to seed and turning yellow. Some yellow trout lilies grow in smaller patches in same area, as well as several species of violets. Quite a site when in full bloom!
on: 2020-05-16 19:55:10
Three or four patches, totaling a few square feet appeared in my yard this spring. I've never had them before.
on: 2023-05-30 13:21:46
One small patch on the Beaver Trail seen on 5/12/2023