Name: Claytonia virginica L.	Description: Family: Violet  Growth Form: Perennial from a cluster of roots.  Stems: Upright, smooth or barely hair near the top, up to 10 inches tall, several from that base of each plant. Leaves:  Basal or alternate, broadly ovate, heart-shaped at the base, with low, rounded teeth, smooth except for some hairs on the veins, up to 2 inches across, the basal leaves on longer stalks. Flower Arrangement:  Solitary from the axils of the upper leaves. Flowers:  Up to to 1 1/2 inches long, on smooth stalks. Petals: 5, yellow, sometimes with a few purple stripes, the lateral petals with a beard of hairs within. Stamens:  5 Pistil:  Ovary superior Fruits: Capsule smooth or woolly, with several brown seeds.	Discussion: Spring Beauty is probably the most common wildflower in Illinois. It begins to flower by the first week in March and may continue to bloom for up to two months. The tuberous roots may be boiled, salted, and eaten. They are said to have the flavor of chestnuts. Young leaves, which are rich in vitamins A and C, can be used in salads. Some species have broader leaves, but these are still the same species
Image:	Location: Habitat: Rich, moist woods Range: Throughout the state of Illinois.	Waypoint:  N 38 degrees 34.755 minutes W 89 degrees 04.146 minutes Elevation 475 feet

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Photos courtesy: Odin Tech Prep Team 2004
Project courtesy: Grant Arnold, Deniz Hawley, Kristen Minor, Brian Deadmond

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