claytonia

[ kley-toh-nee-uh ]

noun

1. any of the low, succulent plants constituting the genus Claytonia of the purslane family, having basal leaves and long clusters of white or rose-colored flowers.

claytonia

/ kleɪˈtəʊnɪə /

noun

1. any low-growing North American succulent portulacaceous plant of the genus Claytonia

Word History and Origins

Origin of claytonia¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), named after Dr. John Clayton (1693–1773), Virginia botanist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of claytonia¹

C18: named after John Clayton (1693–1773), American botanist

Example Sentences

In the Montiaceae family, you’ll find a true winter gem called claytonia, mild and succulent with tiny round leaves.

From Washington Post

So would baby spinach or claytonia, with its succulent little leaves.

From Washington Post

Try arranging the slices in overlapping rings on a salad plate, slicked with vinaigrette and topped with small tender greens such as arugula, claytonia and mâche.

From Washington Post

At my feet, a blush of pale pink petals with magenta-colored stripes: spring beauty, Claytonia virginica.

From New York Times

We could very well have preserved many Indian names, among them Hiawatha's "Beauty of the springtime, The Miskodeed in blossom," I think Miskodeed a better name than Claytonia or Spring Beauty.

From Project Gutenberg