Miner’s Lettuce
Claytonia perfoliata
Miner’s Lettuce Family (Montiaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
White 5-petaled flowers occur in clusters which emerge from the center of a thick saucer-shaped leaf that surrounds the stem. Multiple stems of long diamond-shaped leaves appear at the base of the plant.
Height / Size
Up to 1 foot
Leaves
Leaves at the base are long and thin, with a diamond shape at the tip. Multiple stems emerge from a single base. Pairs of upper leaves join together to become rounded, with the leaf blade surrounding the stem, such that the stem appears to pass through the leaf (perfoliate). As leaves dry out, they turn red.
Flower
A cluster of up to 40 small (1/4-1/2 inch) white flowers emerge from the center of a saucer-like leaf that surrounds the stem. The flowers have 5 white petals with 5 pinkish stamens. The petals are sometimes tinged with pink markings.
Bloom Time: February to May.
Fruit / Seed
.05 to .11 inches (1.2 to 2.7 mm), ovate to round, shiny, smooth.
Habitat
It tends to grow in moist shady places, especially under redwoods.
Location / Range
Found on all trails. Common in northern, southern and central California at elevations below 6600 feet.
Lifespan
Annual
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Also known as Rooreh, from the Ohlone language. The leaves are edible, and were eaten by early miners to ward off scurvy.
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Ethnobotany
Leaves are used for food in early spring and boiled or steamed when eaten later in the season.
To learn how the Ohlone people use this plant see: Native American Ethnobotany Database