Claytonia acutifolia

Claytonia acutifolia is a small perennial called Bering Sea spring beauty. It belongs to the Montiaceae family. Its native range spans northwestern North America and Arctic Asia. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland. Plants reach about 0.7 feet (0.2 metres) tall. The available species account gives no width or detailed leaf description.

In the wild, it grows on tundra and stony mountain slopes. Its sites include wet ground among mosses and lichens. It also grows in alder and birch thickets. Other sites include scree and loose rock on mountain slopes. Its range extends from sea level to about 6,560 feet (2,000 metres). These records place it in both wet and rocky habitats.

Flowers appear from May to July, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The same source reports that seeds ripen in May. It gives no further detail about fruit or seed appearance. Its species account supports moist soil with good drainage. Light sandy soil and medium loam are suitable choices. It accepts mildly acid to very acid soil. The account says it cannot grow in shade.

Plants For A Future lists this species for cultivated beds. However, it stresses that cultivation knowledge remains limited. Its further advice on peat and full sun comes from general genus needs. Those notes do not establish tested care for this species. Its Arctic range suggests strong cold tolerance to that source. Yet it does not confirm hardiness in Britain or assign a hardiness zone. The propagation notes describe spring surface sowing in a cold frame. They report germination within two to four weeks at 10°C. They also describe dividing offsets in spring or autumn.

The large, fleshy root is edible raw or cooked. Records describe people eating it with oil. Leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked. Raw flowers serve as an edible salad garnish. Plants For A Future rates its food value three out of five. It reports no known hazards, medicinal uses, or other uses. That hazard statement does not establish safety for pets. The supplied accounts give no species-specific pest or disease details.