Spring Beauty
Spring ephemeral perennial reaching 8-20 cm tall. Features narrow leaves and delicate white flowers with pink veining blooming in early spring. Grows from deep tuber, emerging before trees leaf out. Prefers rich, moist woodland soils and partial to full shade. Self-seeds readily to form colonies. Completely dormant by midsummer. Suitable for woodland gardens and naturalizing under deciduous trees. Native to eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White with Pink Veins
Bloom Time: Early Spring
Sun Requirements: Part-Shade to Shade
Moisture: Moist-Drained
Phenology: Emerges from deep tuber February-March. Basal leaves appear first, flowering stems follow. Flowers appear March-May with pink-veined white petals. Seeds mature and disperse May-June. Entire plant senesces by July, remaining dormant until following spring.
Wildlife Value: Early nectar source for native bees, flies, and early butterflies; important spring ephemeral for woodland ecosystems; tubers historically eaten by indigenous peoples
Habit Over Time: Emerges early spring from deep tuber storage. Completes entire life cycle before canopy leaf-out. Self-seeds to create expanding populations in favorable sites. Completely dormant through summer and fall.
Height: Short (3-8 inches)