Virginia Springbeauty

by Lydia Holley February 26, 2024

One of my favorite wildflowers is Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica). Native to East Texas and most of the eastern portion of the United States, Virginia Springbeauty is a short flower which is one of the first to bloom in spring.

Virginia Springbeauty is usually seen in small clumps, and their blooms are a delight to discover. But I have seen yards which were carpeted with these beauties, and it is a spectacular sight. Enjoy Virginia Springbeauty while they last. They will often bloom under leafless trees, and by the time the leaves are out, the blooms are gone.

They will multiply and naturalize, but if you are interested in growing even more, corms or seeds can be purchased. Native Americans and colonists used to eat the tubers of Virginia Springbeauty. These underground tubers supposedly have a nice, nutty flavor. However, it would take a long time to dig up enough to make a meal.

It attracts and feeds native bees such as mining bees. There are more than 100 species of mining bees in the state of Texas. Although mining bees look similar to honey bees, they are not aggressive and will not sting. Actually, their stinger is too fragile to penetrate human skin.

There are several other species of Claytonia. Some grow as far north as Alaska, and there is even a rare variety that blooms yellow. But other than Virginia Springbeauty, most other Claytonia species do not grow in Texas, and it is the only one native to our state.

One of the best qualities of Virginia Springbeauty is that it does no harm to the lawn. So let it spread and multiply. Then, enjoy it while its ephemeral beauty lasts.

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