The Ultimate Guide to Growing Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia)

As a teenager, I stumbled upon miner’s lettuce while out on a hike, and it was love at first bite. This plant, with its unusual round leaves, tiny white flowers, and a stem sticking through the middle, sparked my passion for foraging and gardening.

Now, as an adult, I grow this delightful green in my garden every winter and spring, as well as year-round as microgreens on my windowsill. If you’re eager to learn more about miner’s lettuce and how to grow it, you’re in the right place!

What Is Miner’s Lettuce?

Table of Contents

Claytonia species, commonly known as spring beauties or miner’s lettuce, are native to western North America. The most popular species, C. perfoliata, also called common miner’s lettuce or winter purslane, is found growing wild across the region. Its leaves are unique, with the flower stalk seemingly growing through the center.

Identifying mature miner’s lettuce is easier than identifying young plants. Look for the saucer-like leaves with a flower stem growing out of the middle. The only similar plant to watch out for is dollar weed, also known as water pennywort.

Other Species of Miner’s Lettuce:

Siberian Miner’s Lettuce (C. sibirica): Found in Alaska and California.
Eastern Spring Beauty (C. virginica): Grows in the eastern half of North America.
Carolina Spring Beauty (C. caroliniana): Resembles C. sibirica and has edible tuberous roots.

All parts of the Claytonia species mentioned here are edible, packed with nutrients like vitamin C, protein, iron, and beta-carotene.

Cultivation and History

Miner’s lettuce made its way to Europe and other parts of the world thanks to European explorers. Known for its nutritional value, this plant was even used to keep soldiers healthy during WWII in the UK.

Back in its native habitat, various Indigenous tribes used miner’s lettuce for medicinal purposes. Foraging this plant has a long history that dates back centuries.

Miner’s Lettuce Propagation

From Seed:

Germinate seeds in cool soil between 50-65°F.
Space seeds about an inch apart and thin seedlings to four inches once they sprout.

By Division:

Divide live plants by digging out a section with roots intact.
Replant divisions in a new area ensuring the soil stays moist.

Transplanting:

Transplant seedlings following the same procedure as dividing live plants.

How to Grow Miner’s Lettuce

Miner’s lettuce is adaptable to various sun exposures and soil types. It can grow in anything from full shade to full sun in Zones 6 to 9, preferring humus-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially for young plants.

Growing Tips:

Work well-rotted compost into the soil.
Grow miner’s lettuce in full sun to full shade.
Keep the soil consistently moist.

Maintenance and Harvesting

As temperatures rise, miner’s lettuce goes to seed and dies back. Letting it go to seed naturally will ensure a new batch next year. To prevent seeding, pluck flowers as temperatures climb over 70°F.

When harvesting, cut petioles near the soil surface. Miner’s lettuce should be eaten fresh, as it doesn’t store well.

Recipes and Cooking Ideas

Miner’s lettuce can be used fresh in salads, sandwiches, or cooked briefly in stir-fries, risottos, or atop couscous or quinoa. Consider making pesto, adding leaves to soups, or using them as a garnish.

Quick Reference Growing Guide:

Plant Type: Annual or perennial forb
Water Needs: Moderate
Native to: North America
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
Season: Winter, spring
Exposure: Full sun to full shade
Time to Maturity: 40 days
Planting Depth: 1/2 inch (seed)
Spacing: 4 inches
Height: 12 inches
Spread: 12 inches
Maintenance: Low
Tolerance: Freezing temperatures, some drought
Soil Type: Loamy, rich
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Soil Drainage: Well-draining
Common Pests: Aphids, deer, purslane sawfly, rabbits, slugs, snails
Common Diseases: Turnip yellows virus

Conclusion

Miner’s lettuce is a versatile, nutrient-packed green that offers both culinary delights and historical significance. Whether you choose to grow it in your garden or forage it in the wild, this plant is a treasure worth exploring.

How do you plan to enjoy miner’s lettuce? Share your favorite recipes and experiences with this delightful green in the comments below! And if you’re looking to expand your leafy greens collection, check out our guides on arugula, mizuna Asian mustard greens, and mustard greens.

Happy gardening and foraging!