Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana
(c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by . Diamond-shaped basal leaves and round disk distinctive.
Miner's lettuce subspecies is a California native annual herb found in the Klamath Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and eastern Mojave Desert in shrublands, woodlands, rock crevices, and boulder fields at elevations of 500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers nestled within distinctive round, perfoliate leaves that completely encircle the stem. Growing with delicate, branching stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms low, spreading clusters across rocky and woodland landscapes. Its basal leaves are elliptical to diamond-shaped with rounded or slightly pointed tips, while the cauline leaves are uniquely circular, partially surrounding the stem in a distinctive botanical adaptation. The plant's variable chromosome count and adaptable growth pattern allow it to thrive in diverse high-elevation habitats across California.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 17 species. Diamond-shaped basal leaves and round disk distinctive.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shrubland, woodland, rock crevices, alluvial fans, boulder fields
Elevation: 500-2000 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona
Bloom period
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Montia: Claytonia has just 2 stem leaves opposite or fused; Montia has multiple stem leaves arranged alternately.; vs Stellaria: Claytonia has 2 broad stem leaves and 5 petals; Stellaria has many narrow opposite leaves and deeply notched petals.; vs Hydrocotyle: Claytonia has 5-petaled flowers above paired stem leaves; Hydrocotyle has round shield-like leaves and tiny flower clusters.; vs Lewisia: Claytonia has thin leaves on upright stems in moist areas; Lewisia forms succulent rosettes on rocky cliffs.; vs Dichondra: Claytonia has upright stems with 5-petaled flowers; Dichondra is a creeping plant with kidney-shaped leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana native to California?
Yes. Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana bloom?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana belong to?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana is in the Montiaceae family, genus Claytonia.
What habitat does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana grow in?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. intermontana grows in Shrubland, woodland, rock crevices, alluvial fans, boulder fields.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.