Alpine Springbeauty

Claytonia megarhiza

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Montiaceae
Genus:
Claytonia
Species:
Claytonia megarhiza

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
6 in - 1 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
White, Red, Pink

Native Range

United States: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to alpine regions, often found in crevices

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: 5 month outdoor cold moist stratification

Establishment: Seeds are collected in late summer when the capsules turn tan. Seeds are shiny black at maturity. C. megarhiza grows in rock crevices and talus slopes; from the Wenatchee mountains, Washington, and the Cascades of Oregon, east to Alberta, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. It is also found at high elevations from Alberta and British Columbia south to New Mexico, Utah and Nevada.

Source: npn.rngr.net