Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a distinctive plant with several key visual characteristics that make it relatively easy to identify. While often considered a weed, it’s also a nutritious edible that has gained popularity. Here’s a guide to its unique features and how to recognize different types you might encounter:

Unique Appearance Features of Common Purslane:

• Succulent Leaves and Stems: The most defining characteristic of purslane is its fleshy, succulent leaves and stems, indicating its ability to retain water.
• Stem Structure: Common purslane typically features smooth, reddish stems that radiate outwards from a central taproot. These stems are often prostrate, meaning they grow along the ground, forming a dense mat that can spread up to three feet in diameter. In some conditions, the plant might grow more erect, reaching up to 16 inches in height.
• Leaf Shape and Arrangement: The leaves are tear-drop or oval-shaped, smooth, fleshy, and have a shiny appearance. They are arranged alternately along the stems and tend to cluster at the stem joints and ends. The leaves may also have reddish margins.
• Flower Characteristics: Purslane produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers, about a quarter of an inch wide, with five petals that are somewhat heart-shaped. These flowers typically appear where the leaves join the stem and open only briefly in the morning when the sun is shining, usually from summer to fall.
• Seed Pods: After the flowers bloom, they are followed by small seed capsules. These capsules split open to release numerous tiny, dark brown to almost black seeds.

Identifying Different Varieties of Purslane:

While common purslane has consistent characteristics, there are some variations and related species you might encounter:

• Commercial Varieties (Verdolaga): These are cultivated varieties of common purslane often referred to as “verdolaga,” particularly in Hispanic cultures. They tend to have a more upright growth habit, making them easier to harvest compared to the typically sprawling wild types. The leaves and stems generally share the same succulent appearance, and they also feature small yellow flowers. Some cultivars might have slightly different shades of green or a golden hue to their leaves.
• Ornamental Purslanes (Moss Rose and Others): These belong to the same Portulaca genus but are different species (e.g., Portulaca grandiflora for Moss Rose and Portulaca umbraticola). They are primarily grown for their showy, larger, and multi-colored flowers that bloom throughout the day. Their leaves are still succulent but might be smaller or have a different shape compared to common purslane.
• Winter Purslane (Miner’s Lettuce – Claytonia perfoliata): Despite its name, winter purslane is not part of the Portulaca genus. It’s a different plant with succulent leaves that are typically round or heart-shaped and often form a cup around the stem. It’s also edible and nutritious but visually distinct from common purslane.

When identifying purslane, look for the combination of smooth, reddish, sprawling stems, small fleshy oval leaves, and tiny yellow flowers that open in the sun. Recognizing these key features will help you distinguish it from other plants you might find in your garden or foraging.