How much sun does Carolina Springbeauty need?

Carolina Springbeauty grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Carolina Springbeauty bloom?

Carolina Springbeauty blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Carolina Springbeauty native?

Carolina Springbeauty (Claytonia caroliniana) is native to CT, GA, IA, IN and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Carolina Springbeauty attract?

Carolina Springbeauty draws bees and flies.

Is Carolina Springbeauty HOA-friendly?

Carolina Springbeauty takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Carolina Springbeauty

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Claytonia caroliniana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Carolina Springbeauty (Claytonia caroliniana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CT, GA, IA, IN and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Carolina springbeauty is a delicate native wildflower that produces small white or pink flowers with darker pink veins in early spring. This low-growing plant forms small colonies and goes dormant by summer, making it an excellent ephemeral groundcover for shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Springbeauty takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Disappears completely by summer leaving bare spots
Very small and can appear sparse or weedy
May not provide consistent coverage expected in front yards

Wildlife value

The early spring blooms provide nectar for bees and flies when few other flowers are available. Small mammals and birds may eat the seeds.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Springbeauty need?: Carolina Springbeauty grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Carolina Springbeauty bloom?: Carolina Springbeauty blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Carolina Springbeauty native?: Carolina Springbeauty (Claytonia caroliniana) is native to CT, GA, IA, IN and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Carolina Springbeauty attract?: Carolina Springbeauty draws bees and flies.
Is Carolina Springbeauty HOA-friendly?: Carolina Springbeauty takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Carolina Springbeauty? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz