Claytonia perfoliata, Montia perfoliata
Miner's Lettuce
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Claytonia perfoliata, Montia perfoliata.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Flowers, Root
Ground cover
Description
Leaves - raw or cooked. These leaves have a fairly neutral taste and a slightly slimy texture, making them ideal for salads. Young leaves are the tastiest. Older leaves can become bitter, especially in the summer or if the plant grows in a hot, dry place. Although the leaves are small, they are abundant and easy to pick. Stems and flowers - raw. These can be a nice addition to salads. Roots - raw. Although harvesting the small roots is labor-intensive, the cooked and peeled roots taste like chestnuts. There are reports suggesting that the plant has a fine root system, which might render the above report incorrect.