Western Spring Beauty

This tiny white or purple flower is one of the first Oregon wildflowers I remember identifying, as long ago as 1978. It seems to grow everywhere along shady trails where there is just enough sunlight created by the trail clearing. Western Spring Beauty (Claytonica siberica) is also called Siberian Lettuce and prefers damp soil and is prevalent (large colonies) wherever it grows. The Claytonia part of the name is a nod to the American botanist who collected plants in Virginia (1685-1773). This year I have seen these plants in the Gorge, Stub Stewart State Park, and the TH Nature Park. (5/30/2013).