broad-leaved spring beauty

Claytonia cordifolia S.Watson

Claytonia cordifolia is a wildflower in the Montiaceae family, native to western North America from British Columbia to Utah. It grows in wet habitats such as shallow lakes, streams, springs, bogs, and fens. The plant is a perennial herb with an erect stem up to 40 cm tall, growing from a long rhizome. It has oval basal leaves up to 9 cm long with heart-shaped bases and a pair of oval leaves on the stem. The inflorescence bears up to 12 small flowers with five white petals, each about 1 cm long.

Description

Claytonia cordifolia, commonly known as broad-leaved spring beauty, is found in British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. It is a perennial herb with a rhizomatous root system and an upright stem. The plant features heart-shaped leaf bases and a pair of oval stem leaves. The flowers are white, with five petals, and are borne on a stalked inflorescence. It thrives in wetland environments, including bogs and fens, and was first described in 1882 by S. Watson.