Miner's Lettuce*
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana
Care
part shade
low
Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as winter moisture is provided.
1–1ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Jan-Dec
Friendly
Round leaves and tender stems eaten raw in salads or cooked
Widespread in montane and foothill regions from the North Coast Ranges to the southern Sierra Nevada, 2000-9000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant miner's lettuce in late fall to early winter in a spot with partial shade and medium-draining soil - it tolerates a variety of soil types as long as winter moisture is available. Sow the tiny black seeds directly onto bare soil in a protected area; mix them with fine sand in a salt shaker and sprinkle onto the surface, then gently scratch in and tamp for good seed-to-soil contact. This Bay Area native thrives in vernally moist conditions and pairs well as an understory plant beneath oaks or larger shrubs.
After Planting
Water regularly during the growing season to keep soil moist through winter and spring, then taper off once established - summer irrigation should be no more than twice a month. Expect delicate white flowers from February through May or June, and plan for the plant to complete its annual cycle naturally; miner's lettuce typically re-seeds itself, so the main mistake is overwatering during summer dormancy, which can rot the succulent leaves. You can harvest the round, edible leaves throughout the growing season without killing the plant.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Important seed source during fall and winter when other food sources decline
Critical fall migration fuel source, September-November
Resident species utilizing this resource throughout the year
Spring migration staging fuel and breeding season diet
Winter visitor relying on seed availability
Spring migration diet supplement
Opportunistic forager, especially important during winter months
Fall and winter ground-foraging staple
Insects
Early season pollen and nectar source for emerging colonies
Critical early spring pollen source for nesting females
Larval host plant for spring and summer generations
Spring and early summer nectar and pollen resource
Spring specialist utilizing young host plants
Larval host plant for spring generation caterpillars
Mammals
Early spring foliage browsing when plant is young and tender