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Common purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) is a succulent summer annual with a prostrate (lateral) growth habit. Its wedge-shaped leaves are ¼ to 1 inch long and up to ½ inch wide. Leaves may be clustered at tips but are alternate near the base of a smooth, branched, often reddish stem. This weed is particularly troublesome in plasticulture production systems. It is slow to germinate in cool soils but germinates readily in warm soils. It is a prolific seed producer.

Common purslane foliage and bloom.

(Photo: M.E. Bartolo, Bugwood.org)

Common purslane growth habit.

(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• Because leaves and stems are succulent, cultivation is ineffective in controlling this weed and simply results in more weed growth.
• Work fields in infested areas last to avoid spreading.
• Post-emergent herbicides can be very effective.

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