Claytonia lanceolata aka Lanceleaf Springbeauty

Claytonia lanceolata is a small perennial in the Montiaceae family. Common names include lanceleaf spring beauty and western springbeauty. It grows from a tuber beneath the soil. Its native range spans western and central Canada and the western United States. It reaches south into northern New Mexico. This plant lives in temperate regions and tolerates cold winters.

Plants reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Their small size makes them a low feature in cultivated beds. Each plant bears little leaf growth above ground. The tuber forms the main food store below ground. It may sit beside the leaves rather than straight beneath them. Growth starts early in the year, often soon after snow melts. Flowers appear in March, and seeds ripen in May. Each flower has both male and female parts.

Wild plants grow from foothills to alpine slopes. Habitats include sagebrush country and mountain woods with several kinds of trees. They occur where snow lingers and spring soils stay moist. Recorded elevations span about 1,640–9,840 feet [500–3,000 metres]. Rich soil with good drainage suits the plant. It uses spring moisture in places that dry later. For cultivation, choose sandy or loamy soil with mild acidity. Give it an open site, since it does not grow in shade. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 3–8.

Both leaves and tubers provide food. The leaves suit salads, but each plant yields only a small amount. The mild, starchy tubers have a potato-like taste and cook well. Dig with care, and confirm the plant's identity before collecting. Keep each tuber attached to an intact plant while checking it. Loose underground parts may belong to unrelated, poisonous plants. This confusion poses the main safety concern described by the source. PFAF records no known medicinal uses.

Gardeners can raise this species from seed or divide its offsets. Sow seed on the compost surface in a cold frame in spring. At 50°F [10°C], germination takes about two to four weeks. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them in the cold frame through their first winter. Plant out after the last expected frost. Divide offsets in spring or autumn. PFAF does not flag the species as weedy.