Spring Beauty
Claytonia virginica
Nothing says spring quite like the aptly-named Spring Beauty. These diminutive plants are one of the first native plants to bloom after the chill of winter has subsided. They are also among the first flowers to provide nectar and pollen for our native bees. In fact, there is one species of bee, the spring beauty mining bee, that collects pollen only from this tiny flower. These little bees can usually be identified by their very light pink pollen baskets, reflecting the unique light pink color of Spring Beauty pollen. Spring Beauty also has a special relationship with ants, who are the primary seed dispersers for this plant’s progeny. Though small, Spring Beauties can be stunning en masse and propagate readily, so plant a few, watch them grow, and delight in the intricate stories this plant weaves with its surroundings.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist soil
Size: <1′
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Host for Spring Beauty Mining Bee, a pollen specialist; seeds provide important fats and proteins for ants to encourage spread
