Common purslane
Portulaca oleracea
A low, spreading annual with fleshy rounded leaves and thick stems, often reddish. Identified leaves and stems have culinary uses. Plants in cracks and runoff areas may be contaminated, despite the species being edible.
Native range
An ancient, widely dispersed plant with origins described in the Old World; its original range is debated.
Typical season
A warm-season annual. No reviewed local picking calendar is assigned; the plant usually dies after frost.
Identification
Compare succulent leaves, thick stems and small yellow flowers. Toxic spurges can grow beside it and release irritating milky sap; purslane does not. This difference is only one check, not a complete identification. Purslane contains oxalates; do not treat it as an unrestricted staple.