Foraging For Wild Edibles; Miner's Lettuce / Claytonia Perfoliata

Miner's Lettuce / Indian Lettuce / Winter Purslane

Claytonia Perfoliata

    Miner's lettuce is a fast growing annual that gets it's name from the gold miners who came to California during the gold rush. The plant was frequently found in large patches is the same areas that were used for mining. It quickly became a staple food for them that provided vitamin C during some of the colder parts of the year in areas where finding other sources could be a challenge.

    Miner's lettuce can be found in large patches from mid winter (in warmer climates) to late spring in shaded areas with plenty of water. Though native to the western parts of  Canada, The U.S. and Mexico, it's found it's way into gardens and health food stores world wide and can frequently be found growing wild in many areas of the world now.

   The round leaf and small 5 petaled flower or flower bud that grows in the very center of it make it a plant that is fairly easy to identify. Younger leaves a usually spade shaped and for much of the plants life it will have 2 distinct points on the leaf and it should be noted that during the drier times the stalk can take a reddish color. The size of the leaf will also vary greatly depending how much water the plant is getting, some will be the size of a quarter while others can get as big as your palm.

Note the different shapes of the younger leaves.

    Miner's lettuce contains vitamin C, A, iron and even some essential fatty acids. The leaves are usually the part harvested, though the entire plant (leaf, stalk & root) can be eaten. It's best during the younger years of the plants life before it starts to seed, after that point it will become bitter (though still edible). It can be eaten by itself raw or used as a replacement for lettuce in just about anything. 2 salads with a base of miner's lettuce will give 100% of your vitamin C for the day.