Great Basin Spring Beauty
Claytonia umbellata
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
Claytonia umbellata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Exposed slopes, 1500 - 3400 metres in California. North- and east-facing talus and scree slopes of drier mountain areas, subalpine coniferous forests at elevations of 100 - 3000 metres.
Western N. America - California and Oregon.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw. Roots - cooked. The globose tubers are up to 5cm in diameter. The native North Americans roasted them in sand before eating them.
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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a damp peaty soil and a position in full sun. Requires a lime-free soil.
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