Spring Beauty (2)
The flowers of these two Spring Beauties are very similar. They are differentiated by their leaves, which are somewhat fleshy, and where they are growing. C. rosea has narrower lance-shaped leaves than C. lanceolata. The flowers of both species can be white, striped pink or pink, with a yellow/orange patch at the base of the petals. They grow from a round tuber which is edible, thus another common name, Indian Potato. Some botanists consider C. rosea to be a variety of C. lanceolata rather than a separate species.
Lance-leaf Spring Beauty
Claytonia lanceolata
Family:Miner's Lettuce (Montiaceae )
AKA:
Western Spring Beauty
Photo taken on:
June 17, 2007
Location:
Lily Lake Trail, GV, CO
Life Zones:
Montane to subalpine
Habitat:
Moist meadows, slopes
Often found growing with Glacier Lilies at the edge of melting snow. Grows 2" to 4" with a weak stem and a pair of leaves at mid-stem. Leaves are oval to lance-shaped and up to 3" long.
Flora of North America reference.
Western Spring Beauty
Claytonia rosea
Family:
Miner's Lettuce (Montiaceae )
AKA:
Rocky Mountain Spring Beauty
Photo taken on:
April 25, 2009
Location:
Wet Mountains, Eastern CO
Life Zones:
Plains to montane
Habitat: Pine and oak woodland
Grows up to 6" tall with a pair of leaves at mid-stem. Leaves are narrow and up to 2" long.
Flora of North America reference.