Characteristics
A trailing plant, with a 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.
It is common in the spring. As the days get hotter, the leaves turn a deep red color as they dry out.
Area
Prefers cool, damp conditions. Appears in sunlit areas after the first heavy rains. Found in shaded areas by summer.
Uses
The common name of miner's lettuce refers to 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.
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