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Tuberous Spring Beauty

Claytonia tuberosa
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Claytonia tuberosa (Tuberous Spring Beauty) — botanical photograph
Pl. 47B8 — Claytonia tuberosa
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Overview

Tuberous Spring Beauty (Claytonia tuberosa) is a perennial plant native to the Southwest of Mexico, extending northward into regions such as Alaska, British Columbia, and parts of Siberia, including Kamchatka, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, and the Northwest Territories. This plant thrives in light, full sun conditions with moist, well-drained soil that is either sandy or medium-textured. It grows to a height of 20 cm and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Known for its edible qualities, Tuberous Spring Beauty can be enjoyed as leaves, flowers, and roots. The distinctive feature of this plant is its tuberous root, which adds culinary value and contributes to its name. Its leaves and flowers are often used fresh in salads, while the roots can be eaten raw or cooked, making it a versatile addition to both culinary and ornamental gardens. While the plant is not medicinal, it is important to exercise caution when consuming any wild plants to ensure they are correctly identified and safe for consumption.

Quick answers

What is Tuberous Spring Beauty?

Tuberous Spring Beauty (Claytonia tuberosa) is a perennial plant native to the Southwest of Mexico, extending northward into regions such as Alaska, British Columbia, and parts of Siberia, including Kamchatka, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, and the Northwest Territories.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Tuberous Spring Beauty thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light to medium soil. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 20 cm tall. This perennial plant is native to regions including Mexico Southwest, Alaska, and parts of Canada and Russia. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds or by dividing the tubers in early spring. The edible parts include flowers, leaves, and roots, making it a versatile addition to both culinary and ornamental gardens.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Tuberous Spring Beauty for the first time

7steps

Start with Tuberous Spring Beauty for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or small tubers, potting soil, containers, water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring when the ground is moist but not soggy.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a light, well-draining mix. Containers should be at least 15 cm deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Plant tubers just below the soil surface; sow seeds thinly on top of the soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent drying out.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health but avoid cutting flowers for aesthetics.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Tuberous Spring Beauty (Claytonia tuberosa) is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The root, leaves, and flowers are all usable parts of the plant. Roots can be eaten raw or cooked, while leaves and flowers are often used fresh in salads.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 9 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, Kamchatka, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Mexico Southwest, Northwest Territorie, Yakutskiya, Yukon
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Claytonia tuberosa (Tuberous Spring Beauty) — botanical photograph
Tuberous Spring Beauty (Claytonia tuberosa)
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Explore further

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About this entry

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