WESTERN SPRING BEAUTY

Class: Claytonia lanceolata var. lanceolata

Family: PURSLANE FAMILY

Sub Family: Portulacaceae

Year: Perennial

Other Names: Indian Potato, Ground Nut

Colour: White to pale pink

Height: 5-15 cm (2-6")

Each Flower: Up to 2.5 cm (1") across with usually 5 petals, may be notched at outer margin and pink veined; 5 stamens on inside base of petals and 3-parted style; calyx composed of 2 sepals

Leaves: Almost fleshy; 1 or 2 basal leaves, narrow to broad lance-shaped with stalks; on stem is pair of opposite, similar shaped stalkless leaves 5-13 cm (2-5") long and 1.9-4 cm (3/4-1 1/2") broad

Stems: Slender and smooth, reddish at base

Blooming Period: April - July

Habitat: In early spring at lower elevations in sagebrush foothills and later up to alpine slopes

Note:

Blooming period varies with elevation