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Photo by Robert Flogaus-Faust

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Claytonia perfoliata

Also Known As

Montia perfoliata
Miner's Letuce

Plant type

perennial, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6"-12"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

6a-10a

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Claytonia perfoliata plant details

Claytonia perfoliata is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial fruit / vegetable with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Claytonia perfoliata

Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable
Plant family: montiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: edible, self-sowing, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Claytonia perfoliata

USDA Zones: 6a - 10a
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Eaten by miners during the California gold rush to ward off scurvy – this much-loved native spans the Pacific coast from Canada to Central America! Generally grown as a self-sown annual - here in Northern CA it appears in late Fall or Winter during the cool rainy season creating a beautiful, lush groundcover that persists into Summer. Evergreen, perennial patches can be found in moist, shady woodland areas. Spade-shaped leaves on elongated stems form a loose 1’x1’ rosette. Remarkable for its 1’ tall flower spikes with clusters of miniscule white flowers cupped in a circular, 2” wide water lily-esque leaf. Makes a charming live mulch for edible or ornamental landscaping and the succulent leaves can be harvested and eaten fresh or cooked like spinach. Self-sows reliably!