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Springtime at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate is especially glorious with the carpet of tiny white blossoms that covers the grounds. Spring Beauty—often referred to as “Spring Beauties” —has been blooming every spring on the estate for generations. Claytonia virginica is the botanical name for this perennial, in honor of colonial Virginia botanist, John Clayton (1694-1773). It is also known as Eastern spring beauty, Virginia spring beauty, or fairy spud (!). The individual flowers bloom for three days, although the five stamens on each flower are only active for one day. Mowing of the Ashland lawn cannot ensue until the Spring Beauties are done blossoming.
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Thank you for the photos and the botanical data. The annual epiphany of Spring Beauties at Ashland is a lovely gift to the neighborhood.
Thank you, Dan! Your beautiful photo on Facebook this morning prompted this post. I very much appreciate your up-to-the-minute documentation of the Ashland grounds!