Miner’s Lettuce
(Claytonia perfoliata)
Miner’s Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)
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Photo by Easyscape
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by Easyscape
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | CC BY-SA 4.0
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Claytonia perfoliata, commonly known as Miner’s Lettuce, is an annual herb native to moist mountain streambanks and coastal scrublands of the Western USA, including California, and extending into British Columbia, Canada, and parts of Mexico. It typically grows to about 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height and has a succulent, basal rosette of leaves. The small, delicate flowers are pink or white with five petals and bloom from February to May or June, offering a modest display in the garden. The plant is particularly noted for its circular, perfoliate leaves that form a unique cup around the flowering stems.
Miner’s Lettuce is valued for its edible qualities, with leaves that are high in vitamin C, and it is often used in salads or as a cooked green. It is also appreciated for its ease of growth and maintenance, making it a suitable choice for cool-season vegetable gardens, native plant gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. It prefers cool, moist conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. While it thrives in partial shade, it can also grow in full sun if kept moist. It is not typically affected by serious pests or diseases, but can suffer from rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Miner’s Lettuce can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which should be considered when planting in managed gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Miner’s Lettuce is valued for its edible qualities, with leaves that are high in vitamin C, and it is often used in salads or as a cooked green. It is also appreciated for its ease of growth and maintenance, making it a suitable choice for cool-season vegetable gardens, native plant gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. It prefers cool, moist conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. While it thrives in partial shade, it can also grow in full sun if kept moist. It is not typically affected by serious pests or diseases, but can suffer from rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Miner’s Lettuce can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which should be considered when planting in managed gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.2-1 feet
- Width: 0.2-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Moist mountain streambanks and coastal scrublands of the Western USA, British Columbia, and parts of Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Indian Lettuce , Winter Purslane , Palsingat
Scientific Names: Claytonia perfoliata
GBIF Accepted Name: Claytonia perfoliata Donn.