Spring Beauty (Claytonia perfoliata): Edible Native Annual

Overview

Spring beauty (Claytonia perfoliata), also known as miner's lettuce, is a succulent annual native to western North America. Its unique perfoliate leaves (stem appears to pierce the leaf) and tiny white flowers appear in early spring.

Botanical Details

Edible Uses

All parts edible, rich in vitamin C. Mild, slightly tangy flavor. Eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Historically consumed by Gold Rush miners to prevent scurvy. Self-seeds readily in cool, moist shade.