Key identifying traits
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Leaves are smooth shiny and
succulent and are teardrop shaped, being wider at the tip than
the base
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Yellow flowers are small, have 5
petals and open only when there is sunshine
-
Plant grows prostrate and
branches can grow more than 12 long
-
Stems are usually a reddish
color
Biology and ecology
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An annual plant reproducing from
seed but with the ability to re-root after cultivation
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It is persistent in soils that
remain moist most of the time
-
This plant has been introduced
from Europe and has become a troublesome weed especially in
gardens and cultivated fields
-
Seeds can remain dormant in the
soil for years before germinating
-
Purslane is edible and is widely
used as a salad green or cooked vegetable in many areas
Control
Prevention
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological
No known biological control in our area
Cultural
Plant competitive grass or other cover crop
Mechanical
The plants are too close to the ground to be mowed, hand pulling can
help reduce the density and seed population if done before flowering
Chemical Purslane is
susceptible to many herbicides: refer to the
PNW Weed Management handbook for specific chemical
recommendations
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Photo by Forest & Kim Starr |
