spring beauty

noun

1. any American spring plant belonging to the genus Claytonia, of the purslane family, especially C. virginica, having an elongated cluster of white flowers tinged with pink.

spring beauty

noun

1. a pale green annual plant ( Claytonia perfoliata ) of the purslane family, originally North American, having small white flowers above fused leaves that encircle the stem

Word History and Origins

Origin of spring beauty¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

Our forest floors should be carpeted with Virginia bluebells, trillium, skunk cabbage, jewelweed, ferns, spring beauty, trout lily, columbine and more.

From Washington Post

This is how species such as spring beauties and snowdrops can pop up even when it’s still frigid outside — they’re using last year’s energy.

From Washington Post

Such blatant spring beauty seemed an invitation to ignore the obvious: Friday was cold.

From Washington Post

Beneath the canopy of burgeoning trees, the air is fresh and scented with countless hyacinths and other spring beauties.

From Washington Post

Planting among grasses, sedums and other drought-tolerant plantings that receive little, if any, summer irrigation is perfect for establishing tulips, hyacinths, alliums and other spring beauties.

From Seattle Times