Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea L

Family: Portulaceceae (Purslane Family)

Common name: Purslane

Description: Purslane is a prostrate annual, succulent herb. This plant flowers orange and fruits from May to October.

Range and Habitat: Originally native to Asia and probably introduced into North America from Europe purslane is naturalized and widespread weed over nearly the whole world in fields and waste places. Zones 5-10

In Porcher’s time… Purslane was used in the treatment of scurvy and worms; it was a muchvaunted as an antidote for poisoning from Spanish flies. The plant was also used to make a very desirable blue dye.