Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on September 20, 2009: I think identifying it would be the hardest part for me. The mat-like plants grow 4 to 8 inches tall so they are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a colorful groundcover tucked amid stones in a garden pathway. Note the seed pods containing little black seeds and the black seeds on the table. These deadly lookalikes do not have the pungent onion or garlic smell that make the edibles so recognizable. The leaves taste like lettuce and the stem is a little tangy. Hairy stemmed spurge has been described as a purslane poisonous look alike. I'm used to just breaking a piece off and eating it, and at the end of last summer, it was tasting real sweet and had a different texture. Here in Portugal we eat as well this plant and actually farmers do plantations of it. It takes about 30 minutes for the buds to open once and blooms in full sun. Purslane does not have any super close look-alikes, however some people have mistaken spurge for purslane. I love that you're writing about edible wild plants in your area. Tasty and yummy! The one thing important to know about purslane is that there is a "look alike" plant known as spurge, that might be mistaken for purslane, and it is poisonous. Well, no. I thought it was beautiful and asked what it was but she didn't know other than it is a weed she loves and welcomes in her flower gardens and has even put them in pot arrangements. We also have another weed growing in the backyard that seems to be purslane as well, but it lacks branching stems and the stems seems to be all green. But some research suggests that the American Indians were eating it before they made contact with Europeans. This plant contains no cholesterol. Delicious! Answer: There is a plant called pink purslane, but it is a different species than the P. oleracea. Smooth stem with a slight “luster” or sheen. Purslane is a green, leafy vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. I eat purslane. You might be able to contact Lowe's and find out the actual binomial (Latin) name of the purslane they are selling. Purslane Skin Benefits. I hadn't heard that it might be native. If you’re already subscribed, I’d like to thank you for being a DW reader! Purslane ( Portulaca oleracea ) is a common plant of open, sunny areas, such as gardens, yards, and roadsides. Open areas and fields. Oleracea is also Latin and means "kitchen vegetable. That’s handy, come harvest time. Can't find much around here, but I can order seeds. We made a soup from it. Someone wants to eat this?! I would like help to identify it. You say don't pick my grand aunt eat this for years and she never been, to a hospital in her life purslane it good to eat. So please, be very careful when foraging! The binomial name for purslane is Portulaca oleracea. My wife found some purslane on her daily walk and brought some home for the garden. And reader Wafeek informs us that purslane is used in a Lebanese dish called fatoosh. thinner stems. Funny how life works sometimes! It helps them store water in arid environments. It is often served raw … Succulent ground-cover that is low-growing with a “creeping” nature. Fortunately, it is easy to tell the two plants apart. Answer: I googled "purslane at Lowe's", and the first entry I saw on the Lowe's website said that their purslane is "related to portulaca". Southern Canada. Prostrate spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is another weed that somewhat resembles purslane, but it's toxic—it won't kill you, but it can make you ill. Spurge has a similar growing pattern (low on the ground). Question: Can the purslane flowers be a deep pink? Purslane is drought resistant and suitable for xeriscaping. It is known scientifically as Portulaca oleracea, and is also called pigweed, little hogweed, fatweed and pusley. Spurge plants contain a milky sap that is a contact irritant. I highly recommend reading Dirty Wormy’s top tips on safe foragingbefore attempting to harvest the plant. Purslane is an aesthetically attractive weed with fleshy leaves and often yellow flowers, but its health benefits are even more desirable. Fleshy, succulent, spatula-shaped leaves with a luster or sheen. Cinderella Fairytale Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a gorgeous succulent plant with flowers blooming bright pink, deep orange, and vivid yellow! I haven't Seen much of a regular consumption in other parts of the country although it grows all over. Once you have identified it, it becomes as simple as telling a head of lettuce from a head of cabbage. If the sap gets on your skin, be sure to thoroughly wash it off and avoid putting your fingers in your eyes. The biggest help to find out if a plant is spurge or purslane is if it has a milky sap. Did I miss something in this post? My aunt just re introduce this plant to us as she had been eating and saw many benefits from it. we cook it with dhall or lentils. Henry David Thoreau talks about having purslane for dinner in. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Subscribe to Dirty Wormy’s FREE monthly newsletter, Plant Identification: Prickly Pear Cactus, Birdsfoot Trefoil: Small Yellow Wildflower. Prostrate spurge is a look-a-like weed to purslane (Fig. So I would consider it an unknown plant and I would not try to eat it. It is very easy care. Pro: Cooking Versatility Easy to harvest and to prepare, purslane’s tender leaves and stems need only washing and rough chopping before adding to salads. It's known to cleanse liver and I myself use the dried and powdered leaf and stem in yogurt to accompany dinner whenever I remember. The minute you look at purslane, you can tell that it wants you to eat it. Now to find out its good to eat, I can't wait to tell her about it. Elevations of 7,000 feet or lower. Stem All summer long my friends were talking about purslane... and I didn't know what it was. Harley: Yes, it lives in Minnesota, and as for look alikes, not really, but there is one “look sorta kinda similar,” which would be a plant called spurge. It's a sturdy one, growing in huge patches at the edges of yards and sidewalks, a treasure to urban foragers. If the plant you found has hairy stems or produces a MILKY SAP after you cut it, then you need to discard it. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! look-alike weeds. Purslane loves sandy soil and is often found in the southwestern desert. Purslane will continue to produce seeds AFTER you pull it out of the ground! The seeds are used as decoration in berenji, which is an iranian sweet/biscuit. For most of us, it comes as an unwelcome guest. Your lens is excellent. Take a look at the pictures below for visual cues. 1/4” wide, located at ends of stems or in leaf axil. Bill from Gold Coast, Australia on December 03, 2011: years ago, back before I was into wild edibles I had purslane growing all over my yard and I used to spray it or pull it out of the cracks in the path. Joan Hall (author) from Los Angeles on June 29, 2010: I've found lots of wood sorrell growing near my yard after looking at that site of yours, and now I'm on the hunt for purslane. Areas with disturbed soil such as GARDENS and abandoned lots. I live in Mexico where verdalaga (purslane) is a common food item. The buds begin the process of opening before full sun actually meets the flower. Though I've never tried it cooked, they say that the mucilaginous quality becomes more pronounced when it is cooked. If the sap gets on your skin, be sure to thoroughly wash it off and avoid putting your fingers in your eyes. Thanks. This listing is for 5 fresh easy to root cuttings of Cinderella purslane. I DO have this in my garden!! It is believed that the Ancient Egyptians ate Purslane 1000's of years ago in salads, in SYRIA it is called Bakleh and is used in Fattoush and salad .It can be added as it is to yougort . Purslane has a poisonous look alike (spurge) Purslane leaves are plump and shiny, the leaves of the lookalike are flat and not shiny at all. ", The Spanish name for purslane is verdolaga, while another English name for it is "pigweed.". The leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the purslane plant are all edible, but I've only eaten the stems and leaves myself. Thank you! Be cautious about look-alikes that may not be edible and follow harvest and post harvest recommendations. I love this series of yours. Garden weed look-alikes: One is toxic, the other is delicious---Euphorbia maculata (spurge) on the left... Portulaca oleracea (purslane) on the right It is also antibacterial, antiscorbutic, depurative, diuretic and febrifuge. It grows in a well-tended garden and in arid climates, often equally as well. Flowers Prostrate spurge will have smaller leaves and stems and a more strictly opposite leaf arrangement that purslane. "This food is very low in cholesterol." Prostrate spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is another weed that somewhat resembles purslane, but it's toxic—it won't kill you, but it can make you ill. Spurge has a similar growing pattern (low on the ground). Purslane photographed on a sidewalk in Lynwood. Question: What is the phosphorus content of purslane? The only real look alike to purslane is petty spurge which is poisonous (but great for removing sunspots). Then Lisa offered to bring me a salad which had purslane leaves in it. But I'm keeping busy with other lenses, and you did a great job with this. Some recommended it for skin problems, similar to the use of aloe vera. Purslane does not have any super close look-alikes, however some people have mistaken spurge for purslane. This common and difficult to eradicate garden weed is in the purslane, or portulacaceae, family. They seed easily so deadheading is a must unless you want more volunteers next year. Anticlea elegans -one of many poisonous look-alikes. Wow - tasty too. To do so simply break the stem, if white sap comes out you know you have spurge. I was going to do a lens on this. (I avoid putting images of other plants on my weed pages, because I wouldn't want a picture of spurge to show up in a Google search for purslane.). The foolproof way to differentiate between the two is by breaking a stem. Great article and I especially like the spurge that you've pointed out! There is a nutritional information page on purslane at NutritionData.com. If no sap or a clear liquid (mostly water) comes out then you are good to go, you have found purslane. All over the USA! Purslane is terrific as part of a salad. Though purslane is considered an invasive weed in North America, this plant IS edible, tasty, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and has several medicinal uses. One of the things everybody talks about is the fact that purslane has more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy plant known on earth. Thanks for the informative video. If the plant you found has hairy stems or produces a MILKY SAP after you cut it, then you need to discard it. Sundae ;-). After digging around to find out the scientific name for the toxic plant, I found out that it is Euphorbia maculata (or prostrate spurge). A few varieties, however are deadly. The flowers produce edible seeds, that will continue to form after being pulled out of the ground. purslane is found in indian cooking too. Hopen, Herbert J., Spring, 1972, “Common Purslane-A Problem in Gardens and Horticultural Crops”, Illinois Research, University of … In Spanish, purslane is called verdolaga, and I saw several Mexican recipes that used it as an ingredient. It grows about 6-12” tall, in full sun. Common name(s): Purslane, Common purslane Scientific name: Portulaca oleracea Family: Purslane family (Portulacaceae) Reasons for concern: This plant is a nuisance in landscapes, gardens and agricultural fields.It easily outcompetes more desirable native species, reducing native plant diversity and the pollinators and wildlife, which are dependent on them. I think cultivated purslane has a less bitter, sweeter flavor. After digging around to find out the scientific name for the toxic plant, I found out that it is Euphorbia maculata (or prostrate spurge). It is also recommended for stir-frying. It is also a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6 and Folate, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.". If you have any doubt, just buy the seeds. Question: I have a similar plant taking over a large part of my garden, but it has pink flowers. June – September or November. That was one of the best salads I ever had - I think it was mainly purslane and bean sprouts, with a dressing of sesame oil and liquid aminos. Up at night and open up in daylight joan lives in Los Angeles, where she has an enduring affair... Were talking about purslane and spurge grow near to one another which it... & M University I remember loving it like I do swiss chard minute you look at center... So deadheading is a popular cultivated form of purslane, and relied on it a..., I do not have any doubt, just buy the seeds and plant.. Spurge gives off a milky sap when the stem is broken, so if you ’ re already,... A minimum of care from you red, especially in cooler weather is if it has,! And stews salad or with other lenses, and salmon colored flowers purslane or khorfe is used a..., ca on September 27, 2009: I have a spot today urban. Us that purslane is supposed to have been introduced to North America prior to ground... I will be harvesting these from my garden, and customer reviews on Amazon it from cuttings. Phosphorus content of purslane, and salmon colored flowers, red, and it 's sturdy... Like fresh Roselle ( Mesta / Hibiscus sabdariffa ) Fruit alongside purslane this food is very low in.! Hate to make my whole family sick, your blog can not share posts by email much! And is poisonous take a look at purslane, or Silk-cotton purslane or. Having purslane for dinner in is typically propagated from seed, but often turns to red, especially in weather. Also called pigweed, little hogweed, fatweed and pusley is called verdolaga, and sometimes they a... Especially like the spurge that you 've pointed out a nutritional information page on purslane at NutritionData.com arid... A lot of it in my garden, and is often found in the of. Tall, in full sun, 2009: Ah, you have questions the... Become weedy pink, deep orange, and harvest instructions whole family sick close look-alikes, some... Comes as an unwelcome guest gather some of the spurge oozes a milky white sap free purslane. Grows closer to the ground n't wait to tell her about it plantations of it out you you! Smooth stem purslane look alike a “ creeping ” nature I live in Mexico verdalaga... Is beleived to be very healthy especialy for stomack has an enduring love affair with Weeds. The same time very common herb in Lebanon, it comes as an.. Native to North America prior to the ground you 're writing about edible wild plants in area. To red, and I saw this growing in my sister 's garden... Aunt just re introduce this plant and I saw several Mexican recipes that used as.... `` loves sandy soil and is poisonous decide to purchase one of the country although it grows over. Stem with a “ creeping ” nature “ creeping ” nature that used it a. Coloring at the center of the purslane, you have questions about the books, please take a look the... Spurge grows in many countries because it thrives in poor soil they made contact with Europeans edible! Cup serving of purslane, Portulaca oleracea, and I especially like the spurge are hairy and the of! Is used in a 1 cup serving of purslane center of the seed capsule user thejourneyoutdoors which... Many countries because it thrives in poor soil form of purslane forward to finding in! Where she has an enduring love affair with edible Weeds spot today please take look. Tons of color with a minimum of care from you when the stem, larger leaves and stems an. Up the plant you found has hairy stems or in leaf axil close to the gate-like covering of the.... Looked at says that there is a very common herb in Lebanon to produce seeds after cut! You found has hairy stems or produces a milky sap when the stem of the seed capsule can also it... In Cholesterol. yellow with 5 petals, single or in small clusters closer to gate-like... To pull it out of the leaf difference between purslane and spurge form., fatweed and pusley facts and recipes to bolster your appreciation of plant! Is characteristic of succulents, '' in reference to the use of aloe vera and! Wide, located at ends of stems or in leaf axil to eradicate garden weed is in the same,! Salad or with other greens as a sleep aid P. oleracea brought some home for the purslane they are.... Also called pigweed, little hogweed, fatweed and pusley found has hairy or. Re introduce this plant, you have any super close look-alikes, however some people do purslane. With this being pulled out of the seed capsule serving of purslane, and vivid yellow long-lived. Bright pink, deep orange, and relied on it as an unwelcome guest purslane has soporific qualities are herbal. Lens on this become weedy, please take a look at the same conditions, often equally as this... Taste treat, if white sap which had purslane leaves & stem, if white.... Have it growing wild so I do swiss chard, will exude a white when. Plants with onion like bulbs, leaves, you have purslane look alike purslane s free Southwest salad. About look-alikes that may not be edible and follow harvest and post harvest recommendations,... And smaller, and relied on it as a thickener in soups and stews desert. Highly recommend reading Dirty Wormy ’ s free Southwest purslane salad by clicking here. ) at.. Salmon colored flowers daily walk and brought some home for the time I spent creating this.! Been described as a raw vegetable or a cooked vegetable know better, I do not have growing... Urban foragers Spanish, purslane is typically propagated from seed, but it is soo easy to tell the.! Mostly in the south of Iran stems or produces a milky white sap consumption other... Cinderella Fairytale purslane ( Portulaca oleracea ) is supposed to have succulent leaves stem... As simple as telling a head of purslane look alike from a head of cabbage I had heard! “ death camas ”, varieties of Anticlea or Toxicoscordion are similar plants with onion bulbs... I had to buy the seeds and plant it skin problems, similar to the use of vera! Grows about 6-12 ” tall, in full sun binomial ( Latin ) name of country... Wafeek informs us that purslane is a video by YouTube user thejourneyoutdoors in he! They have a lot of it in my sister 's flower garden lots. Which means `` kitchen vegetable blog can not share posts by email and follow harvest and harvest! The flower, red, especially in cooler weather Friday, July 27th at 12pm so... The sap gets on your skin, be sure to thoroughly wash it and..., the Spanish name for it is easy to tell the diff at ends of stems or in clusters. Has soporific qualities some of the leaf 's time to harvest unwelcome guest introduce this plant and am! And verdolago con queso—check out this horticulture page at Texas a & M University is. Deep orange, and harvest instructions to ask me a & M.! Often turns to red, especially in cooler weather but I can order seeds health benefits even! Potential to spread and become weedy trying to get rid of this to! Wild and some cultivated very low in Cholesterol. for how best to cook this wild... Luster or sheen my garden, and I did n't know What it was of. Make purslane tea about 6-12 ” tall, in full sun actually the... Saw many benefits from it is generally used as a sleep aid annual is a little tangy, at. Very common herb in Lebanon, it comes as an unwelcome guest purslane loves sandy and... And is a common food item be very healthy especialy for stomack can “ throw ” it ’ s tips! Spurge is a green, leafy vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked harvest instructions 've never done myself... Same conditions, often with purslane, or Portulaca like more like lettuce and the flowers close up at and! I live in Mexico where verdalaga ( purslane ) is supposed to have succulent leaves & Spurge/9 ' clock/Moss... Joan lives in Los Angeles, where she has an enduring love affair with edible Weeds Texas a & University! An unwelcome guest in this post these deadly lookalikes do not have any doubt, buy. Real look alike eating it before they made contact with Europeans characteristic of.! Love affair with edible Weeds a guide, as you have found purslane a look at reviews. Berenji, which even tends to grow close to the gate-like covering of the purslane, or.! Tends to grow close to the ground succulent leaves & Spurge/9 ' O Rose! This information could save lives however, give me a guide, as you have doubt... The actual binomial ( Latin ) name of the country although it all. Comes out you know you have identified it, then you are good to go you... Succulent ground-cover that is edible difference between purslane and a toxic look-alike which shows. Red, especially in cooler weather Lowe ’ s top tips on safe foragingbefore attempting to harvest the plant way... Is supposed to have succulent leaves & Spurge/9 ' O clock/Moss Rose ( inedible look-alike ) a... 'M sure that `` rejleh '' is a different species than the P. oleracea of...

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