Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Regular price Sale price $19.95LIMITED RELEASE! Succulent Supergreen Rich in Omega-3s & Antioxidants
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as Verdolaga, Little Hogweed, and Duckweed, is a nutrient-dense edible succulent used in traditional diets around the world. It’s prized for its slightly tangy, lemony flavor and its status as one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, alongside high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
This sprawling, ground-hugging herb thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils—growing where other greens may struggle. It’s commonly eaten raw in salads, smoothies, or sandwiches, or cooked into soups, stir-fries, and stews in Mediterranean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Purslane’s succulent leaves and stems have a pleasant crunch and citrusy snap, making it both nutritious and delicious.
A fast grower and excellent reseeder, Purslane is a low-maintenance powerhouse for edible groundcover, container growing, or naturalized beds. It’s also a great companion plant, helping to shade soil and suppress weeds while attracting beneficial insects.
| Scientific Name | Portulaca oleracea |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Purslane, Verdolaga, Duckweed, Little Hogweed |
| Family | Portulacaceae (Purslane Family) |
| Origin | Cosmopolitan; likely native to Asia or the Mediterranean |
| Plant Type | Succulent Edible Herb |
| Life Cycle | Annual (reseeds freely) |
| Food Forest Layer | Groundcover / Herb Layer |
| Mature Size | 4–8 in tall, spreading to 12–18 in wide |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low; drought-tolerant |
| Harvest Season | Spring through Fall |
| Time to Harvest | 30–40 days from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Very Fast |
| Zones | USDA Zones 3–11 (grown as annual or self-seeding) |
| Florida Native | Naturalized; widely established |
| Propagation | Seeds, Cuttings |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Warm-season annual; sensitive to frost |


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