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Miner's Lettuce
Claytonia perfoliata
33.167, -117.052
Field Notes
Description:
Small plant with squared leaves that have small bunches of white flowers inside rising above on stalks. "The first true leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant, and are 0.5-4 cm long, with an often long petiole (exceptionally up to 20 cm long). The small pink or white flowers have five petals 2-6 mm long; they appear from February to May or June, and are grouped 5-40 together above a pair of leaves that are united together around the stem to appear as one circular leaf. Mature plants have numerous erect to spreading stems that branch from the base." - Wikipedia
Habitat:
Grassy area along trail at Daley Ranch. "It is common in the spring, and it prefers cool, damp conditions. It first appears in sunlit areas after the first heavy rains. Though, the best stands are found in shaded areas, especially in the uplands, into the early summer." - Wikipedia
Notes:
"The common name Miner's lettuce refers its use by California Gold Rush miners who ate it to get their vitamin C to prevent scurvy. It can be eaten as a leaf vegetable. Most commonly it is eaten raw in salads, but it is not quite as delicate as other lettuce. Sometimes it is boiled like spinach, which it resembles in taste." - Wikipedia
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