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Siberian miner's lettuce

Claytonia sibirica
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Claytonia sibirica (Siberian miner's lettuce) — botanical photograph
Pl. 4FF0 — Claytonia sibirica
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Overview

Siberian miner's lettuce (Claytonia sibirica) is a small, annual or perennial plant native to cooler regions across North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Kamchatka, and parts of the western United States such as Oregon and Washington. This adaptable plant thrives in various habitats, from dry areas to moist soils, with a preference for 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. In cultivation, Siberian miner's lettuce thrives in soil that is either light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers moist conditions but can tolerate drier environments. Hardy in zones 3-7, this plant grows best when sown directly into the garden bed where it will reach a height of 0.2 meters with a similar spread. The leaves are the edible part of the plant, making them suitable for use in salads or as a garnish. While Siberian miner's lettuce is not known for medicinal properties, its ornamental value and adaptability make it a useful addition to gardens and natural landscapes. Its presence can enhance the beauty of moist shady areas, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.

Quick answers

What is Siberian miner's lettuce?

Siberian miner's lettuce (Claytonia sibirica) is a small, annual or perennial plant native to cooler regions across 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
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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. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings, small pots or garden bed, soil, water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall for a winter harvest.

  3. 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. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, providing partial sun to full shade. Thin plants if they overcrowd.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially in dry conditions. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Snip outer leaves as needed, leaving inner ones to continue growing. Prune any dead foliage to maintain plant health.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to thin seedlings, not mulching properly, and failing to prune regularly.

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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
VII

Distribution

9 native · 12 introduced
Distribution 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
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Claytonia sibirica (Siberian miner's lettuce) — botanical photograph
Siberian miner's lettuce (Claytonia sibirica)
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Explore further

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