About
Spring Beauty is an early blooming perennial wildflower with tiny white and pink flowers and slender leaves. It only grows around 3 inches tall and the flowers only a half inch max. It’s not too difficult to spot because it usually grows in bunches and is very common in Ohio. It’s delicate flowers are really fascinating upon close inspection.
It grows from a perennial tuberous root, so it survives the winter underground. The leaves are slender, two per flower and extend from the base of the flower stem. The flower is white with pink markings on it. I think it resembles a candy cane. The flower stalk may have multiple flowers on it which bloom from top to bottom. There are many other species in the Spring Beauty genus Claytonia.
Bloom Window
Spring Beauty blooms between mid February through mid May. Each flower only lasts a couple days, but each plant may support multiple sequential flowers, which can extend it’s period. The seed heads follow the blooms and the seeds are dispersed by ants, which take them back to their homes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Montiaceae (Pussypaw)
- Genus: Claytonia
- Species: Claytonia virginica (Virginia Spring Beauty)
Where to Find It
Spring Beauty is widely distributed across the US with the exception of the plains in the central continent. It is most often found in woodlands. I see this flower for the full blooming period all around Ohio. Look close because it’s small.
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