shaggy portulaca
ExplorePlants
shaggy portulaca
Portulaca pilosa
Shaggy portulaca is a colorful plant with soft, fuzzy leaves and bright flowers. It grows close to the ground and loves sunny spots, making it a cheerful addition to gardens and parks.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The shaggy portulaca is a low-growing plant with fleshy, cylindrical leaves and stems covered in soft, white hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. It boasts vibrant, cup-shaped flowers, often magenta, pink, or yellow, that open during sunny hours. These bright blooms stand out against its unique shaggy foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPortulacaceaeGenusPortulaca
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite its beauty, some people call it 'hairy purslane' or 'pigweed' due to its wild growth!
Each tiny flower can produce hundreds of even tinier seeds, ensuring new plants pop up everywhere!
Its bright flowers famously close tight during cloudy weather or at night, only to reopen with the sun!
This tough little plant thrives in sandy or rocky soils where many other plants struggle to grow!
Special abilities
Ability
Desert Drinker
Shaggy portulaca has succulent leaves that store water, helping it survive long dry spells like a living canteen!
Ability
Fuzzy Shield
This plant has dense white hairs on its stems to protect itself from intense sun and reduce water loss.
Ability
Speedy Sprouter
Shaggy portulaca can sprout, flower, and set seeds rapidly, making the most of short growing seasons.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen from its bright flowers.
pollinates
Painted Lady Butterfly
Vanessa cardui
Sips nectar from its vibrant blooms.
eaten by
Portulaca Leaf Beetle
Phaedon cyanipes
Adults and larvae feed on the succulent leaves.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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.
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
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before touching or picking any plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is shaggy portulaca?
5-20 cm
How wide does shaggy portulaca spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on shaggy portulaca?
1-2 cm
When does shaggy portulaca bloom?
Spring to fall
Is shaggy portulaca edible?
Yes
Is shaggy portulaca toxic?
None
What is shaggy portulaca's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is shaggy portulaca pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
