Miner’s Lettuce

Montia perfoliata or Miner’s Lettuce

Montia perfoliata or Miner’s Lettuce is a shade-loving annual herb that grows to a maximum height of 16 inches. Producing delicate pink to white flowers from February to May or June, the leaves appear as circular and generally grow in clusters. Named for its use by miners during the California Gold Rush, the plant was eaten cooked or raw to prevent scurvy and is similar in composition to spinach.