Spring Beauty - Claytonia virginica " (Purslane family - Portulacaceae) "
Spring Beauty - Claytonia virginica " (Purslane family - Portulacaceae) " Note pair of smooth linear leaves halfway up the stem. Simple 5-rayed flower: petals white or pink with darker pink veins. 6 - 12 in. Moist woods. Often grow in masses.
Because Spring Beauty blossoms so early, it's not uncommon to have it blanketed with the last snows of the season. Flowers close at night and on cloudy or stormy days, thereby protecting the nectar and pollen from rain or dew. The generic names honors John Clayton, early American botanist.
