Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty
Claytonia caroliniana
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Pl. 706F — Claytonia caroliniana
Claytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia caroliniana
IOverview
Overview
Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) is a perennial plant native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, as well as parts of eastern Canada. Found in habitats ranging from Connecticut to Wisconsin, this plant thrives in moist, light soil conditions with partial sunlight. Known for its edible leaves and roots, it has been used by local communities for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature is its delicate white flowers that appear early in the spring, adding a touch of beauty to woodland areas and gardens. Its hardiness spans zones 5-9, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty?
Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) is a perennial plant native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, as well as parts of eastern Canada. Found in habitats ranging from Connecticut to Wisconsin, this plant thrives in moist, light soil conditions with partial sunlight.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light to medium soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to a height of about 10 cm. For propagation, you can use division or seed sowing. Harvest the leaves and roots for culinary use. This perennial is native to eastern North America and is well-suited for temperate regions.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty for the first time
7steps
Start with Broad-Leaved Spring Beauty as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or late fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light soil that is moist but well-draining. Ensure full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to maintain plant health and prepare for new growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The broad-leaved spring beauty's leaves and roots are edible. Typically, the young leaves are harvested fresh and consumed raw in salads or as a garnish. The roots can be dug up and eaten either raw or cooked. Both parts add a mild, slightly sweet flavor to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Maryland, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 706f51ad-0534-4514-88c4-db1099ca368b
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