Spring Beauty

(Claytonia virginica)

Other Names:

Virginia springbeauty, eastern spring beauty, fairy spud

Range:

Family:

Portulacaceae - Purslane Family

Growth Type:

Herbaceous Perennial

Height:

About 2-8 inches long

Leaves:

The leaves are slender lanceolate, 1 - 5½ inch long and ¼ - ½ inch wide, with a 2½ - 8 inch long petiole. They are arranged alternately.

Stem/Trunk:

Slim erect stem

Root:

Fleshy potato like tuber

Flower Season:

March to May

Flower Appearance:

The flowers are ¼ - ½ inch in diameter, with five pale pink or white (although rarely yellow) petals.

Seed/Fruit:

Seed capsule with multiple seeds

Miscellaneous characteristics:

N/A

Habitat:

Moist woods and clearings

Parts Used:

Whole plant

Culinary Uses:

The leaves can be eaten as a trail nibble, added to salads, or used as a cooked green. The roots are rich in starch, and can be eaten raw, or cooked. When raw the taste is described as radish like, while when cooked, they are slightly nutty.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

A decoction of the roots has been used to treat convulsions. Eating the raw plant will supposedly permanently prevent conception, although I would not recommend this course of action.

Indications:

Convulsions

Medicinal Actions:

Antispasmodic, Contraceptive