Bering Sea Spring Beauty
Claytonia acutifolia
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
Claytonia acutifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Tundra and stony slopes of bald mountains. Marshy ground in moss and lichen tundra and alder and birch thickets, scree and talus of mountain slopes, sea level to 2000 metres.
Northwestern N. America to Asia in the Arctic circle.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Root - raw or cooked. Large and fleshy. The root was usually eaten with oil. Leaves - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw. A nice decoration in a salad.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it must be very cold-tolerant and should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a damp peaty lime-free soil and a position in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow on a peat based compost in spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 10°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets in spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist