Claytonia virginica, commonly known as Spring Beauty, is a native perennial wildflower that brightens woodlands, meadows, and floodplain forests across Illinois. It is one of the earliest bloomers of spring, thriving in partial to full shade and preferring moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils.
This delicate plant typically grows 3 to 6 inches tall and features slender, grass-like leaves. Its blooms, appearing in early to mid-spring, are small but striking—five-petaled, white to pale pink flowers with darker pink veins that serve as nectar guides for pollinators. The flowers close in cloudy weather and at night, reopening with the sun. By early summer, the foliage dies back as the plant goes dormant until the following spring.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Claytonia virginica is a charming addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized landscapes. It provides an early nectar source for bees and other pollinators at a time when few flowers are available. Its fleeting yet enchanting display marks one of the first signs of spring in native landscapes.
Claytonia virginica, commonly known as Spring Beauty, is a native perennial wildflower that brightens woodlands, meadows, and floodplain forests across Illinois. It is one of the earliest bloomers of spring, thriving in partial to full shade and preferring moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils.
This delicate plant typically grows 3 to 6 inches tall and features slender, grass-like leaves. Its blooms, appearing in early to mid-spring, are small but striking—five-petaled, white to pale pink flowers with darker pink veins that serve as nectar guides for pollinators. The flowers close in cloudy weather and at night, reopening with the sun. By early summer, the foliage dies back as the plant goes dormant until the following spring.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Claytonia virginica is a charming addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized landscapes. It provides an early nectar source for bees and other pollinators at a time when few flowers are available. Its fleeting yet enchanting display marks one of the first signs of spring in native landscapes.
Bloom: mid- to late spring
Habitats: city parks; lawns (particularly near trees); moist to dry deciduous woodlands; old cemeteries; savannas; thinly wooded bluffs
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 6 inches)
Requirements: dappled sunlight during the spring
Soil: rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter
