Claytonia virginica; Portulacaceae

Spring beauties, one of the earliest flowers to emerge,

are in full bloom by the millions (no exaggeration) in the Carderock-Great Falls area.  Generally they bear five petals, but I’ve seen six to seven petals, too. 

The plants can be found singly or in large clumps

The color ranges from almost pure white,

to white with pink spots, to white with pink stripes, 

to pink and dark pink, with pink stripes. 

I love them even if they’re ubiquitous.