[Wikipedia] Edibility, Range, Habitat, Other Names: Claytonia perfoliata, commonly known as miner's lettuce, Indian lettuce, or winter purslane, is a flowering plant in the family Montiaceae. It is an edible, fleshy, herbaceous, annual plant native to the western mountain and coastal regions of North America. C. perfoliata is common in the springtime, and prefers a cool, damp environment. The plant first appears in sunlit areas after the first heavy rains of the year, though the best stands are found in shaded areas, especially in the uplands, into early summer. As the days get hotter and drier, the leaves turn a deep red color as they dry out. C. perfoliata is called 'piyada?' in the Western Mono language and 'palsingat' in Ivilyuat ? two Native American languages of California[6] or 'rooreh' in (Ohlone language)[7] Uses Miner's lettuce served as a salad The common name of miner's lettuce refers to how the plant was used by miners during the California Gold Rush, who ate it to prevent scurvy.[13][14][15] It is in season in April and May, and can be eaten as a leaf vegetable.[16] The entire plant is edible, except the roots, and it provides vitamin C.[17] Most commonly, it is eaten raw in salads, but it is not quite as delicate as cultivated lettuce. Sometimes, it is boiled like spinach, which it resembles in taste and chemical composition. Caution should be used because wild C. perfoliata can sometimes accumulate toxic amounts of soluble oxalates (also present in spinach).[18] (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)