Wildflower - Spring Beauty

I was walking around our West Hill property and found large patches of the wildflower Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica). This perennial wildflower is about 3-6" tall and is one of the earliest-blooming wildflowers.



This low-growing plant has tiny underground tubers that can be prepared and eaten just like potatoes. Another common name for the Spring Beauty is the "Fairy Spud." The tiny, sweet tubers are high in potassium and vitamin A and are a good source of calcium and vitamin C. They can be eaten raw, boiled, fried, roasted, or mashed.