Common PURSLANE (Portulaca oleracea) is a weed in the purslane family (Portulacaceae) that many curse; it comes uninvited, spreads fast, and keeps on giving. Purslane grows nearly everywhere in the world and is known as a weed or an edible plant. Some cultures embrace purslane as a delicious and exceptionally nutritious treat!
Because purslane grows so rapidly and spreads easily, most research has focused on eradication by tillage or chemicals. The new approach is to eradicate by eating. However, when out of control, it may be impossible to eat against the amount of purslane that pops up in Midwest gardens, sidewalks, driveways and any other place that will support a succulent root.
Despite a disdain for purslane, it is edible and nutritious being high in omega-3 fatty acids and significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and E as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium and antioxidants. Like spinach, it also contains high amounts of oxalates so can cause kidney stones in those who are susceptible. The leaves, plucked from the stems, are somewhat crunchy and have a slight lemon taste. A few leaves sprinkled on salads, sandwiches, and omelets adds a bit of nutrition and flavor. It can also be steamed or used in stir-fries and makes a good thickener for soups or stews because it has a high level of pectin. Supposedly it also makes a great low-fat pesto; because purslane is so juicy, only a small amount of olive oil is needed.
Before sampling or eating, make sure that the plant is chemical free and thoroughly washed as it grows close to the ground. And if this is a new food, don’t over indulge. Recipes using purslane are abundant using an internet search.
Eradication in the home garden is best done by pulling, hoeing or using chemicals and removing it from the garden; it takes a long time to shrivel. Using a mechanical tiller is the worst at controlling it as cultivating breaks it apart and, being a succulent, each piece becomes a new plant. Hoeing is effective only if the root is taken and the plant is removed. Any soil disturbance allows long-lived seeds near the surface to easy germination. Purslane is not picky about where it grows; it loves hot weather, and does not require moisture. Open soil and a little moisture is all it needs to go wild. Therefore, the best rule is to get it before it goes to seed; it takes less than three weeks from the time it emerges until it flowers and seeds. A single plant may produce 240,000 seeds which have germination potential for up to 40 years. Mulching helps control purslane as mulch suppresses seed germination. For mulch to be effective, it must be thick enough to block all light to prevent seed germination; 1/2 inch of mulch is recommended.
Purslane . . . weed ’em or eat ’em?
Reviewed and updated, 6/2024, mg.
