The vitamin-rich leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and the tubers can be prepared like potatoes.

[4] As of January 2019[update], Kew's Plants of the World Online lists 33 accepted species:[3] The genus is named after John Clayton, who collected specimens of various plants in North America and distributed them to botanists in Europe.

[5] The genus is primarily native to the mountain chains of Asia and North America.

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.

The leaves of the spring beauty are rich in vitamins and can be eaten raw or cooked.