Cuban-spinach
Claytonia perfoliata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Claytonia perfoliata is a native forb found in South Dakota that blooms from April through June with small white flowers. This spring ephemeral thrives in partial shade and attracts bees and beetles as pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cuban-spinach as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cuban-spinach is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small rosettes of distinctive rounded leaves. It produces tiny white or pink flowers from April through June and thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture. This cool-season plant typically completes its life cycle by mid-summer.
Growing Cuban-spinach
Grow Cuban-spinach in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cuban-spinach 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.
- Dies back completely by mid-summer leaving bare spots
- Small stature and wild appearance don't meet typical landscaping expectations
- Annual nature requires replanting or self-seeding which can appear unmanaged
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides relatively brief but valuable early-season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- When does Claytonia perfoliata bloom?
- Claytonia perfoliata blooms from April through June, producing small white or pale pink flowers during the spring months.
- What pollinators visit Claytonia perfoliata?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Claytonia perfoliata, attracted to its small spring flowers.
- Where is Claytonia perfoliata native?
- Claytonia perfoliata is documented as native to South Dakota, though it has a broader western North American distribution.
- What growing conditions does Claytonia perfoliata prefer?
- This native forb grows well in partial shade with medium moisture levels, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Cuban-spinach toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cuban-spinach as toxic to livestock.
- Is Cuban-spinach HOA-friendly?
- Cuban-spinach 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Cuban-spinach? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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