Rooreh (Claytonia perfoliata) is a trailing annual herb in the Montia family, native to a large portion of western North America, including almost every county in California. The plant has small white flowers with five petals that bloom from February to May or June. The leaves are round, succulent, and edible, commonly known as miner’s lettuce, along with its subspecies Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata.
Rooreh thrives in vernally moist areas and grows at elevations from 0-6600 feet. It is indicative of a healthy oak woodland and often signals a balanced ecosystem. This plant is more drought-adapted in coastal and cool-weather areas. Sow its tiny black seeds on bare soil in protected areas that receive plenty of water, typically during late fall to early winter. A handy method for sowing is to mix the seeds with fine sand in a salt shaker and sprinkle it onto the surface. Gently scratch it in and tamp to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
The presence of rooreh supports butterflies and moths, enhancing the diversity of pollinators in the garden.