Claytonia rubra

Because they are all members of the Claytonia perfoliata polyploidy pillar complex, I am writing linked posts about C. parviflora, C. rubra, and C. perfoliata, and information common to all three can be found in the post about C. perfoliata. I was fortunate enough to find each one of these species side by side with one of it’s kin, so I have direct comparison photos in each profile.

Claytonia rubra on the left, and C. perfoliata on the lower right

Hopefully this will help clarify identification of our superficially similar Claytonia with fused cauline (stem) leaves. The first thing to look for is the size and shape of the basal leaves (there is a good, if overly simplified, glossary of leaf shapes here). In C. perfoliata they are fairly large (10-70mm long by 5-60mm wide), rhombic to deltoid or reniform, with a pointed tip. The basal leaves of C. rubra are small (5-15 mm long by 5-10mm wide) and ovate to spatulate or trullate, with an obtuse apex. And the basal leaves of C. parviflora are long and narrow (up to 6” long by 5-10mm wide) and linear in shape.

Claytonia rubra on the left, C. parviflora on the right

There are two characteristics one can use to distinguish between a small C. perfoliata and a large C. rubra. The stems of the basal leaves of C. perfoliata are suberect to erect, and the plants are mostly green, with only a weak reddish tinge. The stems of the basal leaves of C. rubra are flattened to suberect, and usually have red pigmentation.

Description-Annual; grows as a small, flattened, sprawling form from a basal rosette of fairly small (5-15mm long by 5-10mm wide) leaves, ovate to spatulate or trullate, with an obtuse apex; single pair of opposite, usually fused, stem leaves; inflorescence short, and appears to grow straight from the leaf; flowers small, light pink to white.

Similar species-See C. perfoliata and C. parviflora

Habitat– Moister parts of drier conifer forests and shrub lands, in mineral soils, fallow and disturbed ground.

Range-Western North America; region wide in appropriate habitat.

Reproductive timing-Blooms February to July

Eaten by-Larval host for the moths Annaphila diva, A. arvalis, and Enchoria lacteata ; valuable early season nectar and pollen source for various pollinators; Gastropoda and most grazing animals feed on these plants.

Etymology of names–Claytonia honors John Clayton (1694-1773), a lawyer and botanist in colonial Virginia. The specific epithet rubra is from the Latin for red, and refers to the red pigmentation of the basal leaves.