This fragrant perennial native spring ephemeral is a member of the claytonia family, and is one of those flowers that is most anticipated as a sign of spring. This plant produces small, delicate flowers that grow in loose clusters from a narrow stem. The plant has a pair of smooth linear 2 to 8 inch-long leaves. The leaves taper at both ends and usually grow midway up the sometimes-crooked stem. The leaves are slender and lance-shaped. They will continue to grow for a time after the flowering period before going dormant in late spring.

The flowers have five petals and are ½ to ¾ inches in diameter. The petals may be white or pink, with darker pink veins. There can be considerable variation in the color even within the same area of growth. It is not known if the color is genetic or based on environmental conditions. The flowers reflect ultraviolet light making them more visible to insects like bees that can see in that wavelength. There are 2 sepals and 5 stamens with pink anthers. Each stamen is opposite a petal. The flowers often close at night and on cloudy days.

The plants grow 3-12 inches tall and are often abundant in moist woodlands from March to May. The plant grows from an underground tuber (corm) that resembles a small potato. This tuber has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor and was used by Native Americans and early colonists as food. Over-harvesting for food does, however, diminish their value as a beautiful spring wildflower and is not recommended and it does take a lot of work to gather enough to make a meal.

The range of this species is throughout eastern North America as far west as Minnesota and Texas and as far north as southern New England and southern Ontario. It seems to be less abundant in the Southeast and absent in Florida. In those areas there is a closely related flower called the Carolina beauty (Claytonia caroliniana). The Eastern spring beauty is endangered in Massachusetts and apparently has become extirpated in Rhode Island. It is documented in most counties of Pennsylvania.

The fruit is a small capsule, enclosed by a calyx and contain several shiny black seeds. Although the flowers are small, they can make a spectacular appearance when they grow in large colonies.

Springbeauty grows best in rich, fertile and moist soils and does well in partial shade. It can be found in both woodlands and in open meadows. In some areas it is given the common name of fairy spud or meadow beauty.