Common purslane - Portulaca oleracea (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Common purslane

Also known as: Pigweed, Red root

Portulaca oleracea, colloquially known as common purslane, is an annual succulent species with reddish stems and tiny yellow, five-petal flowers. It is used for culinary purposes in various parts of the world, most often raw, in salads. Common purslane is also a good companion plant for crops that thrive in moist soils.

Scientific classification

Species

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

15 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

20 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green, Red, Purple

Leaf Color

3 mm to 1 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Black, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Red, Green, Purple, Brown, White, Burgundy, Lavender

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Common purslane

Distribution of Common purslane

Distribution Map

Common purslane has a wide native range, consisting of most of the African continent, much of the Middle East and some southern European countries. Its natural habitats include fields, beaches, salt marshes, and riverbanks. It has been naturalized almost all over rest of the world, and is listed as a noxious weed of agriculture in many areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Fields, waste ground, roadside verges, cultivated ground, seasides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Common purslane is a succulent with small, yellow flowers featuring lobed petals. This plant is well suited to environments with poor soil conditions, and is drought tolerant thanks to its succulent leaves which store water. This makes common purslane an ideal candidate for rock gardens, ground cover, or even hanging baskets.

Symbolism

Having affection and faith, marriage

Interesting Facts

Portulaca oleracea 'Granatus' leaf colors are different because, according to legend, a long time ago, gods were keen on painting and creating flowers. Every god had his own special preferences. Gradually, the patterns painted on flowers became real, which is the origin of the Portulaca oleracea 'Granatus'.

Name Story

Common purslane: This plant is famous for being a grass weed, but it is also an edible and nutritious vegetable. Furthermore, purslane is evolved from the old French, porcelaine. According to the comment of a Baltimore chef, purslane is a succulent herb that looks like a miniature jade plant. As it is also one of the most common species in its genus, it is then called common purslane.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common purslane, including the following common varieties :

Portulaca oleracea 'Granatus'

Toxicity

Common purslane is toxic to dogs and cats. Consuming any part, especially leaves, causes stomach ache, drooling, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, dizziness, and tremors. Severe kidney failure may occur. Seek immediate veterinary help.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Today, common purslane has a near cosmopolitan distribution. It is naturalized in both tropical and temperate climates and is still cultivated. The plant grows in a wide variety of soil types and habitats, including cultivated fields, wastelands, and roadsides.

Common purslane can produce many seeds from its self-fertile flowers, which is why it can be a successful weed, especially in warmer climates. It is officially listed as a prohibited noxious weed and regulated noxious weed in the US state of Arizona, plus it is mentioned in weed-related documents of Hawaii, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Unwanted plants can be easily dug or hoed out, but take care to throw away the entire plant – it can root from any of its nodes, and the seeds remain viable for several decades. Common purslane is killed by the first frost and shows stunted growth in cool climates.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of common purslane is during the late spring or early summer, before it matures and spreads its seeds.

Hand-pulling: This is the most common method for removing common purslane. Ensure that you get the whole plant, including the roots, by pulling it out of the ground effectively to prevent it from growing back.
Smothering: Cover the common purslane with a thick layer of mulch or a weed barrier material. This blocks sunlight and starves the plant, preventing it from growing.
Solarization: In this method, you cover the common purslane with transparent plastic during the hottest part of the year. The sunlight heats the soil beneath the plastic, killing the plant.
Cultivation: Turn over the soil where the common purslane is growing. This can help disrupt the life cycle of the plant and prevent it from spreading.
Biological control: Introduce predators or plant diseases that can naturally control the population of common purslane. However, this method requires UTMOST care as it can also impact desired plants.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Common purslane

Prostrate growth habit with reddish stems.

Oval-shaped, fleshy leaves clustered at stem joints.

Diminutive yellow flowers with five heart-shaped petals.

Seed capsules release dark brown to black seeds.

Branching pattern forms circular mats.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Common purslane

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common purslane is suited for arid climates, needing water only every three weeks. Thriving in full sun, it endures dry periods, making it ideal for xeriscaping. Its succulent traits enable effective water storage, ensuring turgidity even in seemingly dry soil.

Fertilize: Common purslane thrives in fertile soil but can tolerate barren conditions. Use organic or slow-release fertilizer before sowing and water-soluble fertilizer twice a year. Promote flowering by applying low-concentration phosphorus and potassium fertilizers biweekly. Ensure adequate sunlight for optimal nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Common purslane requires prompt pruning during its growing season to maintain its ornamental value. Focus on removing crossed, inward, and densely-growing branches. Late fall pruning of dried leaves enhances air circulation. During repotting, remove rotten, weak, and excess roots for better health.

Propagation: Common purslane is usually propagated in Spring through sowing. It shows successful growth with vibrant green leaves. For optimal results, provide well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Common purslane

Distribution of Common purslane

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Common purslane

Care Guide for Common purslane

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases