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Heart-Leaved Springbeauty

Claytonia cordifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Heart-Leaved Springbeauty (Claytonia cordifolia)
Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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.

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 Heart-Leaved Springbeauty? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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