Lanceleaf Spring Beauty (Claytonia lanceolata)

Family: Portulacaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Claytonia lanceolata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant radish-like taste, when baked it has the taste and texture of baked potato. — Root - raw or cooked.; Rather palatable.; The raw root has a pleasant radish-like taste, when baked it has the taste and texture of baked potato.; The roots can be dried, ground into a powder and stored for later use.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich soils that are moist in spring from the foothills to alpine slopes. Sagebrush and montane foothills to alpine areas, particularly where snow persists, 500 - 3000 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)