Beauty in the spring
Claytonia virginica, or “spring beauty” is a flowering plant, native to the U.S.A.; in bloom, they release a sense of softness to the understory of forests each year. Claytonia grows from a bulb, which was eaten by Native Americans, raw, or boiled as a potato substitute. The leaves were eaten as well, they make a perfect salad garnish.
The color of this flower ranges from white to pink, and each petal is lined with pink candied stripes! In the center of the flower, are the anthers (male reproductive parts), which also have a pink dusting. These plants stand at a might 6” tall, with flowers ~1/2 wide, and although an individual plant may not flower each year, they will, at least produce one leaf.
So take a walk in woodland near you, check to see if the spring beauties are awake.
Know the plants around you!
Resources:
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j800
https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/indiana/journeywithnature/spring-beauty-wildflower.xml
