Alpine Spring Beauty (Claytonia megarhiza)

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

Claytonia megarhiza is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild in flavour. — Root - raw or cooked.; Peeled, then boiled or baked.; The root is long, fleshy and up to 2.5cm thick.; Leaves and flowering tops - raw or cooked as a potherb.

Habitat & North American Range

Gravelly soils, rock crevices and high montane regions. Talus, scree and gravelly slopes at elevations of 2000 - 4000 metres. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)