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Spring beauty is one of about 15 species in the Claytonia genus. A native to northeastern North America, Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) produces from corms delicate, lance-like leaves with clusters of white (sometimes with pink tint) star-shaped flowers, reaching about a foot tall. The name Claytonia was given to the plant in honor of John Clayton (1693-1779), one of our earliest botanists in Virginia.
The common name of 'fairy-spuds' alludes to the tuber's resemblance to a miniature potato with many protruding eyes. The small, potato-like, starchy tubers of spring beauty are edible with a chestnut-like flavor and were once a favorite Native American food. Spring beauty also provides a pleasant floral scent.
A perennial herb, spring beauty usually grows about six inches tall and eight inches wide.
Another species, C. caroliniana, also occurs in the woodland areas of Virginia, as well as North and South Carolina. Carolina spring beauty has broader, shorter leaves than C. virginica and carpets the forest floor with delicate pale pink blossoms that are about four to six inches tall.
Considered by many to be the harbinger of spring, the spring beauty appears in early spring within fields, woodland borders and front lawns. The flowers of spring beauty, which may bloom for up to two weeks, open only in sunlight. As the blooms fade, a 3-6-seeded capsule develops, allowing spring beauty to reseed readily.
The tubers can be planted anytime after flowering, while the plant is dormant, usually in the fall. Generally, about 2-3 inches deep is sufficient and preferably in moist, humus-rich soil within shady locations. However, dappled sunlight during the spring is also ok, and this plant will adapt quite easily to semi-shaded areas of the lawn as well. Dormant tubers of established plants also can be moved or divided.
One effective use of spring beauty in the garden is as an informal ground cover beneath larger plants. Spring beauty can also be used as edging along wooded paths and combines well with ferns and Virginia bluebells. As the foliage of spring beauty fades, plants such as hostas and late-blooming wildflowers will keep the area attractive.
Spring beauty is easy to grow in the garden and makes a handsome addition to the sunny or partially shaded wildflower collection. When spring beauties blossom in large drifts across the landscape, the effect is stunning.
The tiny, sweet tubers are said to be high in potassium and vitamin A and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. They can be eaten raw, boiled, fried, roasted, or mashed. They're also good in stews or casseroles. The young foliage and stems may also be eaten raw in salads or steamed and served as greens. The flowers make an attractive edible garnish as well.