The generic name, Claytonia, is named for John Clayton, a botanist of the 1600's. The specific name, perfoliata, refers to the perfoliate leaves that are attached at the base to completely encircle the stem.
| Latin name: Claytonia perfoliata
(syn. Montia perfoliata) |
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| Family: Portulacaceae |
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| Common name: Miner's lettuce |
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Habit: Mounding, up to 1 foot tall and wide. |
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Foliage: Initially the foliage has
long petioles and shaped like a snake's head. Later, foliage completely
encircles the stem (a term called perfoliate, which is where the species
name is derived). |
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Flowers: Flowers occur in racemes.
Each flower has 5 white petals. Flowers are perfect (male and
female parts). |
| Notes: The common name, Miner's lettuce,
is attributed to the fact that miners use to eat the plant for salad greens.
The generic name, Claytonia, is named for John Clayton, a botanist of the 1600's. The specific name, perfoliata, refers to the perfoliate leaves that are attached at the base to completely encircle the stem. |