Claytonia sibirica aka Pink Purslane

Claytonia sibirica belongs to the Montiaceae family. Gardeners know it as pink purslane or Siberian purslane. Other names include Chinese chickweed and miner's lettuce. Its native range links the Komandor Islands with western North America. It grows in Alaska, British Columbia, and several western US states. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild plants grow in damp woods and beside shaded streams.

This plant can grow as an annual or short-lived perennial. Fleshy leaves form a rosette near the ground. Upright stems carry more leaves above this base. The RHS describes the foliage as deciduous. Flowering stems reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Its listed garden height ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The same range applies to its spread. Plants reach their full size within one to two years. Small pink or white flowers form loose clusters. They bloom in late spring and early summer.

The sources give different growing settings for this species. The RHS recommends full sun and a sheltered site. It calls for gritty soil with plenty of humus. Water must drain freely, with protection from excess winter wet. Chalk, loam, and sand suit this plant. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. PFAF describes moist woodland sites, often with sandy, acid soil. It also lists dappled shade and woodland edges as garden settings. Deep shade is not among its recommended sites. The RHS rates hardiness H7; PFAF lists USDA zones 3–7.

Garden uses include borders, gravel beds, banks, and containers. It also suits informal gardens and woodland ground cover. Plants live briefly but can renew themselves through abundant self-sowing. Their dense cover helps keep weeds down. PFAF does not flag the species as a weed risk. Growers can raise new plants from seed. No pruning is needed. The RHS reports few routine pest or disease problems.

The leaves are edible raw or cooked. Their mild taste has an earthy aftertaste, compared with raw beetroot. They can go into salads or serve as cooked greens. PFAF reports leaves throughout the year, though summer heat and dryness can make them bitter. Small leaves grow in useful numbers and are easy to gather. PFAF lists no known hazards. It records traditional uses for cuts, sore eyes, and dandruff. These records do not establish that such treatments are safe or effective.