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Common Purslane

Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea L.
Synonym: Portulaca neglecta, Portulaca retusa
Family: Portulacaceae

Portulaca oleracea, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 40.

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: All zones
USDA: 7-11

Heat Tolerance: Excellent

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Most of the world, some authorities think it originated from Persia, but it seems to have existed in the US before Columbus's arrival to the New World

Growth Habits: Annual herbaceous succulent, purplish red prostrate stems, 3 to 12 inches tall (7.5-30 cm), 1 to 2.5 feet spread (30-75 cm)

Flowers: White, yellow, light orange, pink or red flowers

Watering Needs: Occasional to moderate watering

Propagation: Seeds, stem segments

Regulated noxious weed in Arizona, It is excellent, young stems are used raw in salad, the entire plant cooked as a pot herb. Don't weed it, eat it.

Blooming Habits:
Yellow flowers

Culture:
Sow 1 inch apart (2.5 cm), one foot between rows (30 cm). Fertilize once a month. Harvest the stems, 1 to 2 inches from the base (2.5-5 cm)

List of All the Plants | More in the Portulacaceae family

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