Claytonia, Miner's Lettuce

Common Names:

Miner’s Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Winter Purslane

Quick Glance:

• Common Use: Edible leafy green used in salads, soups, and as a nutritious raw or cooked vegetable.

• Growth Habit: Low-growing annual or short-lived perennial with a spreading, rosette-like habit.

• Plant Size: Grows 6–12 inches tall and 6–18 inches wide.

• Light Needs: Thrives in partial shade but tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

• Key Feature: Delicate, heart-shaped leaves and small, white star-shaped flowers.

ID:

Scientific Name: Claytonia perfoliata

Family: Montiaceae

Physical Description:

Miner’s lettuce is a fast-growing, cool-season leafy green with tender, succulent, bright green leaves. The plant forms basal rosettes of spoon- or heart-shaped leaves, with some leaves forming a circular disk around the stem. Small, star-shaped white flowers emerge from the center of the leaves in spring, adding ornamental value.

Plant Size:

• Height: 6–12 inches.

• Width: 6–18 inches.

Light Requirement:

Prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates, but can tolerate full sun in cool or mild conditions.

How to Grow:

• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.5). Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.

• Transplanting: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors. Since Miner’s lettuce is sensitive to root disturbance, use biodegradable pots to minimize stress. Transplant seedlings carefully, spacing them 6–8 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Miner’s lettuce thrives in cool, moist conditions.

• Fertilizing: Generally not required, but a light application of compost at planting can promote healthy growth.

• Harvesting: Begin harvesting leaves when plants are about 4 inches tall. Use scissors to snip individual leaves or cut the entire plant just above the base. Harvest regularly to encourage regrowth and prevent bolting.

Container Growing:

• Container Size: Use a shallow pot at least 8 inches wide with good drainage.

• Soil: Fill with nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Placement: Position the container in partial shade or a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

Pest Management:

• Common Pests: Slugs and aphids.

• Solutions: Hand-pick slugs or use organic slug traps. Spray aphids with water or use insecticidal soap.

• Diseases: Rarely affected by diseases but can develop root rot in poorly drained soil. Ensure proper drainage to avoid this issue.

Spreading Habit:

• Spreading: Miner’s lettuce self-seeds readily, often forming dense mats in favorable conditions.

• How to Handle: Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, and allow some plants to flower and set seed for continuous growth.

Companion Planting:

Miner’s lettuce grows well alongside other cool-season vegetables:

• Spinach and Lettuce: Shares similar growing conditions and harvest timing.

• Carrots and Radishes: Complements root crops in mixed vegetable beds.

• Peas: Provides light shade and nitrogen fixation for shared soil health.

How to Use:

• Culinary: Miner’s lettuce is highly versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. Its tender leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Use it in salads, soups, sandwiches, or as a garnish.

• Nutritional Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium, Miner’s lettuce is a nutrient-packed addition to any diet.

• Ornamental: Its delicate, trailing habit and unique leaf shapes make it a charming addition to edible landscapes or mixed containers.

Recipe Ideas:

1. Miner’s Lettuce Salad:

   • Ingredients: Fresh Miner’s lettuce, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

   • Instructions: Toss Miner’s lettuce with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add optional toppings like nuts or cheese.

2. Miner’s Lettuce Soup:

   • Ingredients: Miner’s lettuce, onions, potatoes, garlic, vegetable broth, and cream.

   • Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, add diced potatoes and broth, and simmer until tender. Stir in Miner’s lettuce, cook briefly, then blend. Add cream and season to taste.

3. Sautéed Miner’s Lettuce:

   • Ingredients: Miner’s lettuce, olive oil, garlic, and salt.

   • Instructions: Heat olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add Miner’s lettuce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and serve as a side dish.