Claytonia perfoliata

Claytonia perfoliata is a flowering plant species, commonly known as miner's lettuce or winter purslane. It belongs to the family Montiaceae and is native to the western mountain and coastal regions of North America from Alaska to central Mexico.

Description

Claytonia perfoliata is an annual plant that grows up to 40 cm in height. The leaves are round and perfoliate, meaning they surround the stem. The flowers are small, white or pink, and bloom from February to May. The plant is edible and has a mild flavor.

Habitat and Distribution

Claytonia perfoliata is found in a variety of habitats, including moist meadows, open forests, and disturbed areas. It is native to the western regions of North America, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.

Cultivation and Uses

Claytonia perfoliata is easy to cultivate and can be grown in a variety of soil types. It is often grown as a salad green due to its mild flavor and high vitamin C content. The plant was historically used by miners during the California Gold Rush as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The genus name Claytonia is in honor of John Clayton, a colonial plant collector in Virginia. The species name perfoliata refers to the perfoliate nature of the leaves.

See Also

• Montiaceae
• List of edible flowers