Common Purslane—Portulaca oleracea

A summer annual, common purslane grows along the ground, forming mats. It invades gardens, lawns, orchards and ornamental plantings.

purslane plant
Stems are thick, reddish in color, and branch out from a central point, forming a low-growing mat-like clump up to 2 feet in diameter.

purslane flowers
Leaves are succulent, oval, smooth, and shiny, growing ½ to 2 inches long. They are green on the top and pale purple underneath.

purslane flower up close
The small, five-petaled, yellow flowers open only in sunlight. Flowers from May to November.

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[Photos, left to right: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org; Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org; Joseph LaForest, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org]