Claytonia perfoliata (Miner’s Lettuce) is an edible plant that is native to North America, it is also referred to as Winter Purslane. All parts of this plant are edible, the flowers, stems, and leaves can be added raw to salads or cooked like a vegetable.
Along with medicinal properties, such as blood purifying and liver detoxification, Miner’s lettuce has nutritional benefits as well. This species provides a decent amount of Vitamin C, A, iron and protein. For more information on some of the health properties click here.
Miner’s lettuce received its common name from the miner’s who ate it during the Californian gold rush to keep away disease.
For more edible plant varieties click here; edible plants.
Growth
Miner’s Lettuce is a low growing plant that averages in height at about 15 cm’s but can mature quite a lot smaller than this. It has not been reported as growing taller than 30 cm’s, for this reason it is sometimes grown as an edible ground cover.
The plant itself is quite unique and beautiful. The leaves are almost circular in shape and during flowering the little 5 petalled, white or light pink flowers sit right in the centre of these leaves.
Claytonia perfoliata prefers a shaded, moist position but will tolerate frosts, poor soil, some dry spells, and dappled sun. This species can be found growing wild in its native region during winter and spring, in some areas it is reported to grow as a perennial, however in most climates it is grown as an annual and will die off in the heat of summer. Miner’s Lettuce can be grown in most climates but will struggle in Tropical areas.
Pinch of the stems to harvest leaves and flowers to avoid pulling the entire plant and it’s shallow roots out of the ground. Pinched stems will grow back readily for continued harvest. The flavour of the young leaves stays sweet and mild even during flowering, however they are better tasting in winter, as summer comes the leaves can become a little bitterer.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Portulacaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
1-10 to 28°C / 14 to 82°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well-draining. Tolerant of poor soils.
LOCATION:
Prefers shade or dappled shade under trees but will cope with some sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 foot)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 foot)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, can grow as perennial in right location & climate.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Self Fertile, Hermaphrodite, pollinated by insects such as flies.
MATURITY:
6-8 weeks. average 42 days.
GERMINATION RATES:
87%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1700 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, all parts
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store a 4°C (fridge) for 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT CLAYTONIA PERFILIATA (Miner’s Lettuce)
Green vegetables were difficult to find during the 1850’s Californian gold rush and this species was readily available. The natives taught the miner’s that this plant was edible and would keep away diseases such as scurvy due to its high vitamin C content..
Miner’s Lettuce is a great salad alternative during the cold, wet winter months when many other salad ingredients are not in their peak season.
