Other common names:Pusley, Pursley, and Wild Portulaca
Scientific name:Portulaca oleracea
Purslane is a summer annual broadleaf weed. It prefers disturbed areas with rocky soils and is often found growing in waste areas, rocky bluffs, in crevices between bricks, and in cracked cement, however this weed can also grow in turf grass areas. Purslane thrives throughout much of the United States and Canada.
Purslaneis a summer annual with a vertically growing, mat-forming growth habit and thick, succulent stems and leaves. Its stems are multi-branched, growing horizontally or turned up at the ends. They are purplish-red in color. Purslane features thick, fleshy leaves and a thick taproot with many fibrous secondary roots.
Blooming from June through November, Purslane features small yellow flowers occurring singly or in terminal clusters. The flowers consist of five yellow petals with two green sepals and numerous yellow stamens. It reproduces by seed, although broken stem fragments can root and form new plants.
Purslane can be a troublesome weed to eliminate. Physical removal can remove single plants, but it is important to make sure no stem fragments are left behind. Professionally applied herbicides are the best bet for complete removal.
