Scientific Family
Portulacaceae
Other common names
indian lettuce
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Height
To 14 inches
Riparian
Yes
Miner's lettuce branches from the base with stems growing to 14 inches. Most of the leaves are circular with small white flowers rising above the center. Historically, miner's lettuce was used as a salad plant by early settlers and Native Americans.
Annual forb with fleshy roots. Stems branch from the base, spreading to erect. Leaves basal in rosettes, and reddish tinged. Small pink or white flowers grow above a pair of leaves surrounding the stem and appearing as a single circular leaf.
Habitat
Moist places in shade, along brooks and around springs.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
2500
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are white to pinkish, to 1/4 inch wide, in a tiny raceme rising above the center of the circular leaf.
Flower color
White to pink
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
February
Last bloom month
July
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The circular, flower-bearing leaves are dark green and fleshy to 2 inches wide. Other leaves are lance-shaped on narrow stalks. The circular stem leaf is actually two leaves grown together. As the common name indicates, the leaves are edible.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruits are tiny, three-valved capsules containing one to three seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seeds are black to 1/5 inch, shiny and smooth.