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Heart-Leaved Springbeauty

Claytonia cordifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Heart-Leaved Springbeauty (Claytonia cordifolia)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Heart-Leaved Springbeauty (Claytonia cordifolia) 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"–6" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American Deserts

Claytonia cordifolia is a delicate spring wildflower producing small white to pale pink flowers from March through May. This low-growing perennial forms compact mounds just 2-6 inches tall and wide, thriving in partial shade with moderate moisture.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Heart-Leaved 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.

  • Extremely small and delicate appearance may be invisible in maintained landscapes
  • Short bloom period followed by potential dormancy
  • Wild mountain plant aesthetic conflicts with formal landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The early spring blooms provide important nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Its small size makes it valuable for supporting smaller pollinators in rock gardens and woodland settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Heart-Leaved Springbeauty need?
Heart-Leaved Springbeauty grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Heart-Leaved Springbeauty bloom?
Heart-Leaved Springbeauty blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Heart-Leaved Springbeauty native?
Heart-Leaved Springbeauty (Claytonia cordifolia) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Heart-Leaved Springbeauty attract?
Heart-Leaved Springbeauty draws bees and beetles.
Is Heart-Leaved Springbeauty HOA-friendly?
Heart-Leaved 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

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