Common Purslane
ExplorePlants
Common Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Common Purslane is a small, leafy plant that grows close to the ground. It has bright green leaves and pretty yellow flowers that bloom in the sunshine. This plant is often found in gardens and can be eaten too!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Common Purslane has succulent, reddish stems that spread along the ground, bearing thick, spoon-shaped green leaves. Its small, five-petaled yellow flowers typically open only in bright sunlight. This prostrate growth habit helps distinguish it from more upright garden weeds.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPortulacaceaeGenusPortulaca
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It contains more Omega-3 fatty acids than many fish oils!
Its tiny seeds can stay alive in the soil for up to 40 years!
People have been eating this resilient plant for thousands of years.
This amazing plant can close its flowers at night to save energy!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Saver
Common Purslane has juicy leaves that store water, helping it survive and thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Ability
Super Spreader
Common Purslane can re-root from stem fragments, allowing it to quickly spread and grow new plants.
Ability
Sun Tracker
Common Purslane can perform two types of photosynthesis, optimizing carbon capture in different light conditions.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-15 cm
- Spread
- 30-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.4-0.8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen
eaten by
Garden snail
Cornu aspersum
Snails and slugs graze on its leaves
eaten by
Beet armyworm
Spodoptera exigua
Larvae feed on the leaves
eaten by
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Spotted cucumber beetle
Diabrotica undecimpunctata
Beetles can feed on its foliage
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Night Blooming
Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Verdolagas
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before eating any plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Common Purslane?
5-15 cm
How wide does Common Purslane spread?
30-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Common Purslane?
0.4-0.8 cm
When does Common Purslane bloom?
Summer
Is Common Purslane edible?
Yes
Is Common Purslane toxic?
None
What is Common Purslane's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Common Purslane pollinated?
Insect
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