Common Purslane

Common Name: Common Purslane

Botanical Name: Portulaca oleracea L.

Family: Portulacaceae

Life Cycle: Annual (spreads by seeds)

Defining Identification Characteristics:

• Horizontal, mat forming growth

• Thick, succulent stems and leaves

• Purplish or reddish stems

• Simple, opposite, rounded leaves

• Leaves are wider at the tip than the base

• Small, yellow flowers with five petals

Common habitat:

• Landscape gardens

• Container planting

Noxious Weed List/Legal Status:

Eradicate Control Restricted Specially Regulated Not Listed

Additional Information:

• Common Purslane, Portulaca oleracea – Master Gardener Program