Pale Spring Beauty (Claytonia exigua)

Family: Portulacaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Claytonia exigua is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Succulent. — Leaves - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry to moist slopes. Open places on bare clay banks, clayey soils or sand, or scree and talus slopes from sea level to 1000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)