Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana
(c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by . Triangular pointed basal leaves and two-angled disk diagnostic.
Mexican miner's lettuce is a California native annual found in the North Coast Ranges, San Francisco Bay Area, southern Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in shrubland, woodland, and rocky habitats at elevations of 500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces small white to pink flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with tender, branching stems up to 20 centimeters tall, it forms a distinctive rounded growth habit. Its basal leaves are triangular to kidney-shaped with a small pointed tip, while the distinctive cauline leaves form a circular disk-like shape that completely surrounds the stem. The plant is characterized by its delicate structure and ability to thrive in rocky, challenging environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 12 species. Triangular pointed basal leaves and two-angled disk diagnostic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shrubland, woodland, rock crevices, rockslides
Elevation: 500-2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Ventura, Humboldt, Monterey, Orange, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, El Dorado, Amador, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Kern, Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Benito, Santa Clara, Sonoma, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Butte, Trinity, Plumas
Outside California: Arizona, Mexico, Central America
Bloom period
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana blooms Feb-Apr.
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. mexicana native to California?
Yes. Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana bloom?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana grow?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Ventura, Humboldt and other counties, at elevations of 500-2000 m.
What plant family does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana belong to?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana is in the Montiaceae family, genus Claytonia.
What habitat does Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana grow in?
Claytonia perfoliata subsp. mexicana grows in Shrubland, woodland, rock crevices, rockslides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.