Also known as Claytonia · Cuban-Spinach · Indian Lettuce
Miner's lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) is a low-growing, edible annual with succulent leaves and small white flowers. It thrives in moist, shady conditions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Prefers cooler conditions; partial shade in hotter climates is ideal. Tolerates full sun in cooler regions.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water when topsoil is dry.
Loam, Sandy, Clay
50% intensity
Cool Temperatures
75% intensity
Grows best in cool weather, typically between 10-20°C. Can bolt in heat.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Generally not required; a light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Miner's lettuce prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growing season. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency in warmer, drier periods to prevent wilting.
Pruning is mainly for harvesting. Harvest outer leaves as needed to encourage continuous growth. Remove any yellowing or spent foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Regular harvesting prevents the plant from becoming leggy and encourages a bushier habit.
Miner's lettuce is easily propagated from seeds sown directly in the garden or container. Seeds can be sown in early spring or fall. They germinate readily in cool, moist conditions.
Seedlings can also be transplanted, but handle their delicate roots with care.
Repotting is typically not necessary for annual miner's lettuce as it often self-seeds. If growing in containers, you may wish to transplant seedlings into larger pots if they become root-bound.
This is best done in spring when the plant is actively growing.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Montiaceae |
| Genus | Claytonia |
| Species | Claytonia perfoliata |
Similar in genus Claytonia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
