NAME: Claytonia virginica C. Linnaeus var. virginica

PLANT FAMILY: Portulacaceae

COMMON NAME: spring beauty

APERTURATION: Tricolpate

ORNAMENTATION: Echinate

POLLINATION SYNDROME: Entomophilous

SIZE:

SHAPE:

FLOWERING DATE: February - April in Texas

NOTES: In Texas, Claytonia virginica flowers in early spring. Often it is in flower when other plants are not. When it is in bloom, you know that spring is on its way. It is common in yards and parks. When conditions are right, an entire yard will be covered with these flowers. The flowers have a slight sweet aroma and vary in color from white to pink to rose-pink. The petals have dark pink or purple bee guides. Honeybees are known to visit the flowers collecting both pollen and nectar. Pollen from Claytonia virginica has been found in honey samples of Texas.