Miner's Lettuce
Claytonia perfoliata
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Pl. DF47 — Claytonia perfoliata
Claytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliataClaytonia perfoliata
IOverview
Overview
Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) is a small annual herb found in various regions of North America and Central America, including Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and parts of Mexico. This plant thrives in light to medium soil that can be either dry or moist, making it adaptable to different environments. Known for its edible leaves, flowers, and roots, Miner's Lettuce has been a valuable resource for both wildlife and humans. One distinctive feature is the perfoliate leaf arrangement, where the stem appears to pass through the center of the leaf, creating an interesting visual effect. Its light requirements and soil preferences make it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Miner's Lettuce?
Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) is a small annual herb found in various regions of North America and Central America, including Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and parts of Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Miner's Lettuce thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 6 and 7. It can tolerate dry conditions but also grows well in moist soils. This annual plant reaches about 0.2 meters in height and is adaptable to various habitats across its native range, from Arizona to Mexico. To cultivate Miner's Lettuce, ensure it receives adequate light while maintaining soil that is either sandy, medium, or clayey. Keep the soil consistently dry to moist but avoid overwatering. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, and roots for use in culinary applications.
Light
5/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
6–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Miner's Lettuce for the first time
8steps
Start with Miner's Lettuce as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots or direct planting area, soil pH tester.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade to avoid heat stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Snip leaves as needed for use in salads. Prune flowers when they appear to encourage more leaf growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting partial shade during hot weather.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: Miner's Lettuce is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves, flowers, and roots are all usable parts of the plant. Typically, the fresh leaves are enjoyed in salads for their mild, slightly acidic taste. Roots can also be consumed, often boiled or steamed to soften them before eating.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)BelgiumNorwaySwedenUkraine
Americas2 regions
native (2)El SalvadorGuatemala
Broader regions
native:Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Montana, Washington
introduced:Arkansas, Chile South, Falkland Is., New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · df471387-f115-46ef-bc8f-fa81a1db50e5
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