Virginia Spingbeauties

Virginia Springbeauties (claytonia virginica) are in bloom in various parts of the Course. The photo above is of flowers that are part of a patch on Hole 17. Springbeauties are found in the Eastern temperate deciduous forest of North America. Their scientific name honors Colonial Virginian botanist John Clayton (1694–1773). The flowers grow from an underground tuber like a small potato, which has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor. Native Americans and colonists used them for food and they are still enjoyed by those interested in edible wild plants.