Carolina Spring Beauty
Claytonia caroliniana
From Nearctica
Identification: Flowers white, star-like, petals usually lined and/or tinged with pink to lilac. Flowers in a small, loose panicle. Stem smooth, single. Plant with a single pair of broad, opposite leaves at about the midpoint of the stem. Leaves widest about one-third the distance from the stem and tapering to a distinct petiole.Plant arising from a bulb. Plant 6 to 12 inches in height.
Distribution: Southern Canada southward in the mountains to Georgia.
Habitat: Carolina Spring Beauty is found in woods, particularly montane forest.
Flowering period: March to May.
Similar Species: Carolina Spring Beauty is similar to Spring Beauty. However the leaves of Spring Beauty are linear, not broad near the base, and not tapering to a distinct petiole.