Claytonia perfoliata Springbeauty DD I
Introduced from North America, Claytonia perfoliata prefers sandy soils so you tend to find it in sandstone areas inland and at the seaside. It is the sort of plant which makes you look twice as the flowers appear to grow from the middle of a leaf. The stem leaves are fused to form a shield at the bottom of the flower.
C. perfoliata has escaped into much of England and parts of Scotland but there isn't much to be foun in Wales except near the English border. It is uncommon in Ireland.
Cheshire Lane 28th March 2005
Added on 28th March 2005, updated December 3rd 2008, updated 19th March 2010, updated Se3 4th May 2010