|
Claytonia species
Description
All Claytonia species are somewhat fleshy plants only a few centimeters tall, with showy flowers about 2.5 centimeters across.
Habitat and Distribution
Some species are found in rich forests where they are conspicuous before the leaves develop. Western species are found throughout most of the northern United States and in Canada.
Edible Parts
The tubers are edible but you should boil them before eating.
Also called spring beauty in the northern states, Indian potato can be found in many hardwood forests. They can be tough to dig, because in most varieties the stem is thinnest underground, and it's easy to break it before you locate the tuber. Once you learn to recognize the tubers, though, you can dig in any area that has a few of the flowers and find them.
Most of the time, they are only a centimeter in diameter. It takes a lot to make a meal, but they are delicious. Roast them or boil them.