Spring Beauty

Claytonia virginica
 
Spring Beauty is a charming ephemeral wildflower that signals the arrival of spring, usually appearing in woodlands and forest edges just after the snow has melted. It prefers shady, moist, humus-enriched soils and will grow up to 10-15 cm tall. The flowers, which bloom from March to May, are a sight to behold, emitting a pinkish hue from a distance and displaying white petals with delicate pink stripes upon closer inspection. These showy flowers attract pollinators early in the season but will close at night or on cloudy days. Spring Beauty grows in clusters, with several flowers on each plant. It's a wonderful choice for a spring woodland garden and is even edible. Naturally gros in upland oak and maple woodlands.