Siberian miner's lettuce
Claytonia sibirica
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 4FF0 — Claytonia sibirica
Claytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibiricaClaytonia sibirica
IOverview
Overview
Siberian miner's lettuce (Claytonia sibirica) is a small, annual or perennial plant native to the cooler regions of North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Kamchatka, and parts of the western United States such as Oregon and Washington. This plant thrives in various habitats, from dry areas to moist soils, making it adaptable but preferring partial sun to full shade. With a height and width of 0.2 meters, Siberian miner's lettuce is easily recognizable by its light green, succulent leaves that are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Its ability to grow in diverse conditions makes it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Siberian miner's lettuce?
Siberian miner's lettuce (Claytonia sibirica) is a small, annual or perennial plant native to the cooler regions of North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Kamchatka, and parts of the western United States such as Oregon and Washington.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Siberian miner's lettuce thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and grows as an annual or perennial. The plant requires moderate watering but can tolerate drier conditions. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden bed where they will grow to a height of 0.2 meters with a similar spread. Harvest the edible leaves for use in salads or other dishes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m × 0.2 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Siberian miner's lettuce for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Siberian miner's lettuce for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots or garden bed, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall for a winter harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, providing partial sun to full shade. Thin plants if they overcrowd.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry conditions. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Snip outer leaves as needed, leaving inner ones to continue growing. Prune any dead foliage to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to thin seedlings, not mulching properly, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Siberian miner's lettuce are edible and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. They thrive in partial to full sun and moist to dry conditions, making them versatile for various growing environments.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 12 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 12 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 9 native· 12 introduced
Europe10 regions
introduced (10)BelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceIcelandNetherlandsNorwaySwedenUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., British Columbia, California, Idaho, Kamchatka, Montana, Oregon, Washington
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4ff00e1c-98f0-42c4-953d-63486bacc961
Decision aid
Choosing between Siberian miner's lettuce and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.