Claytonia

The plants are somewhat fleshy and only a few centimeters in height. The flower heads are about in diameter. ==Taxonomy==

The genus was formerly included in the purslane family (Portulacaceae), Species , Kew's Plants of the World Online lists 33 accepted species: ==Distribution and habitat==

The genus is primarily native to the mountain chains of Asia and North America. In the Old World, it is distributed northwest to Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and eastern Russia. It is found in most of the northern United States, with some species located in Guatemala. Claytonia perfoliata, the species for which the term '''miner's lettuce''' was coined, is distributed throughout the Mountain West of North America in moist soils and prefers areas that have been recently disturbed. ==Uses==

The leaves of the spring beauty are rich in vitamins and can be eaten raw or cooked. The roots are in the form of tubers which can be cooked and eaten like potatoes. ==References==