Definition

Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Montia having edible, pleasant-tasting leaves: "Indian lettuce" refers to a small, herbaceous plant, typically found in moist or shady habitats in western North America. Its leaves are commonly consumed as a salad green or pot herb.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We gathered a basket of Indian lettuce from the stream bank.
  • The mild flavor of Indian lettuce makes it a perfect addition to a wild greens salad.
  • This field guide helps identify Indian lettuce and other edible plants.

Advanced Usage

• As a botanical term: In botanical contexts, "Indian lettuce" specifically refers to species within the genus , such as or . It is also sometimes used colloquially for other unrelated edible wild greens.
  • Botanists classify Indian lettuce in the family Montiaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Miners' lettuce (): A related edible plant with a similar common name and use, but from a different genus. It is distinguished by its round, disk-like leaves that surround the stem.
• Winter purslane (): Another common name for miners' lettuce.
• Montia: The genus name for true Indian lettuce.

Synonyms

• Wild lettuce (general term for edible wild plants with lettuce-like leaves)
• Spring beauty (refers to plants in the related genus )

Notes on Meaning

• The name "Indian lettuce" originates from its use as a traditional food source by Indigenous peoples of North America.
• It is important for foragers to correctly identify the plant, as the common name may be applied to different species in various regions.

Noun

1. a plant of the genus Montia having edible pleasant-tasting leaves