Alpine Springbeauty
Claytonia megarhiza
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © matt_mardigan (iNaturalist #67075764)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Montiaceae
- Genus:
- Claytonia
- Species:
- Claytonia megarhiza
- USDA Symbol:
- CLME
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 10 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and germinate best at cool temperatures. Light may aid germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * hydrophilic