Mountain Lettuce
Saxifraga micranthidifoliafam. Saxifragaceae
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Pl. A9B7 — Saxifraga micranthidifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain Lettuce (Saxifraga micranthidifolia) is a perennial plant native to the eastern United States, found in states like Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can grow up to 1 meter tall. This plant is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to local cuisine. Its distinctive features include its ability to adapt to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay)—and its presence in habitats ranging from full sun to partial shade.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Lettuce?
Mountain Lettuce (Saxifraga micranthidifolia) is a perennial plant native to the eastern United States, found in states like Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Lettuce thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows up to 1 meter tall and is hardy in temperate regions. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest the leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Lettuce for the first time
7steps
Start with Mountain Lettuce as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Mountain Lettuce plants or seeds, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Mountain Lettuce in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your garden or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area if full sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade, especially during hot afternoons. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune leaves as needed to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Mountain Lettuce (Saxifraga micranthidifolia) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads for a mild, lettuce-like flavor. Skip cooking as the leaves retain their texture best when consumed raw.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Saxifragaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Saxifragaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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