Found it growing in my herb garden.

by Robin Shope
(Southern Indiana)

It has a purple stem and green leaves with tiny yellow flowers in the center of the leaf cluster.


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Robin, I'm pretty sure this is Portulaca oleracea, sometimes known as Purslane. It's called a weed, but it can be trouble, as each leaf or portion of stem can re-root to continue living. The best revenge for it is to cook it and eat it - in Mexico it's called 'verdolaga' and the French know it as 'pourpiere'.

There are several varieties grown for this purpose, but Portulaca is mostly known as a pretty annual with bright pink, yellow or white flowers in hot dry sites.

Jacki

Comments for Found it growing in my herb garden.

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Jul 27, 2017
 Not edible
by: Jacki

Karen;

I would not eat any of the other types. It's not that they may be REALLY poisonous, but more that they wouldn't taste good. As far as I know, that's the only one that is edible.
Jul 27, 2017
 Question about portulacas
by: Karen

Can all varieties of Portulaca be eaten?... even the other more decorative varieties? Are any varieties toxic?
Jul 25, 2011
 Purslane
by: Anonymous

Thank you! I think I will move it, carefully, to a remote area and eat what i can. Thanks again!
Jul 22, 2011
 Purslane
by: Patty Hicks

I was just reading your comment to the plant ID and wanted to add that I love harvesting Purslane and eating it fresh in salads. It is filled with vitamins and minerals..almost a super food I think. They eat it in the Middle East and have for centuries. I agree the best defense is to eat it...and its a pleasant defense too. Oh one more note...try to pick it young if you are going to eat it. Its more tender when young.

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