Lanceleaf Spring Beauty, Idaho springbeauty, Pacific springbeauty, Peirson's springbeauty
Claytonia lanceolata

Family: Portulacaceae

What it is like

Claytonia lanceolata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in March, 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

Rich soils that are moist in spring from the foothills to alpine slopes. Sagebrush and montane foothills to alpine areas, particularly where snow persists, 500 - 3000 metres.

Western N. America - southwards from British Columbia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Root - raw or cooked. Rather palatable. The raw root has a pleasant radish-like taste, when baked it has the taste and texture of baked potato. The roots can be dried, ground into a powder and stored for later use. The globose tubers are up to 20mm in diameter. Leaves - raw or cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. multiscapa.