Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect or ascending, usually simple, slender, fleshy, glabrous; from solid bulb.
- Leaves
- Basal leaves stalked, elongated-linear, 2.5 to 8 inches long, 1/5 to 3/5 inch wide, succulent, faintly 3-ribbed, pointed at both ends; stem leaves opposite, short-stalked, linear, 3.5 to 6 inches long.
- Inflorescence
- Raceme, 5-19 flowered, 1.5 to 6 inches long, terminal; flowers on slender stalks, 1/2 to 1 inch long; bract 1, small, oval, below lowest stalk.
- Flower
- Regular, 1/2 to 3/4 inch across; sepals 2, egg-shaped, about 1/4 inch long; tips usually rounded or blunt; petals 5, oval, 1/5 to 3/5 inch long, white or rose with pink or purple veins; tips rounded or blunt; stamens 5, opposite petals; styles 3, united near tip.
- Fruit
- Capsule, rounded egg-shaped, about 1/6 inch long; seeds 3-6, round, dark brown.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Rich, moist woods, thickets, and clearings.
- Distribution
- East 1/2 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Uses
- The bulbs were used as a food source by Native Americans and an infusion of powdered roots was given to children experiencing convulsions.
Additional Notes
Comments
One of the earliest blooming wildflowers in the spring. Named in honor of John Clayton, a colonial botanist. Related to portulaca.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Portulacaceae - Purslane Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 4-12 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-11-11
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Pink, Red & Orange Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: March, April, May