SafePlants

Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)

Miner's lettuce, scientifically known as Claytonia perfoliata, is a succulent, mild-tasting leaf vegetable also commonly referred to as winter purslane, Indian lettuce, or spring beauty. The common name "miner's lettuce" originates from its historical use by California Gold Rush miners, who consumed it as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Claytonia perfoliata Donn ex Willd.
• Common Names: Miner's lettuce, Winter Purslane, Indian lettuce, Spring beauty
• Family: Portulacaceae (also identified as Montiaceae in some resources)
• Synonym: Montia perfoliata

Considerations for Pets

• Miner's lettuce is described as succulent.

Considerations for Children

• Miner's lettuce is described as succulent.

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is native to North America and is found abundantly on the West Coast, particularly in the early spring. Its range extends from British Columbia south to Guatemala and east into Alberta, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah. It often grows in disturbed and waste ground.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Miner's lettuce is a petite and delicate-looking hardy annual.
• It features thin, succulent lemon-lime stems supporting kelly green colored basal leaves.
• The leaves are heart-shaped and slightly succulent.
• It has a mounding habit, growing up to 1 foot tall and wide.

Ecological Role

Miner's lettuce is a native winter annual broadleaf plant. It is part of a complex of species and subspecies with slightly varying characteristics.

Nutritional Information and Uses

• Miner's lettuce is known for its use as a leaf vegetable, eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach.
• It is described as tart, smooth, a little crunchy, and very "green" tasting.
• It is a good source of vitamin C and contains a notable amount of iron and calcium.

Quirky Facts

• Some describe Miner's lettuce as having a "wood elf magic."
• Despite its slightly unappealing name, it was favored by miners during the Gold Rush.

Further Information

For further information and images, refer to resources such as CalPhotos.