Portulaca oleracea

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Portulaca oleracea
Also known as: Green Purslane, Little hogweed
Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer
Format: Smal
Height: 0.30 m
Width: 0.30 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-12
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Seed
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
None

Description

Leaves and stems can be eaten both raw and cooked. The young leaves are tasty in salads and have a slimy texture that serves well as an alternative to okra, which is often used as a thickening agent in soups. Older leaves are used as a leafy vegetable and have a slightly sour, spicy, and salty taste. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be dried for later consumption. The seeds, whether raw or cooked, can be ground into powder and mixed with grains for use in porridge, bread, pancakes, and so on. The seeds are small and can be tricky to work with.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/06
End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Diospyros kaki
Persimmon 		The fruit tree provides shade and support, helping to enhance the growth of Portulaca oleracea by creating a microclimate.
Juglans nigra
Black walnut 		The walnut tree can benefit from the quick-growing ground cover, which can reduce weed pressure around its base.
Crataegus laevigata
Midland Hawthorn, Smooth hawthorn, English Hawthorn 		The sugar maple provides dappled light that promotes the health of Portulaca oleracea, while also contributing to nutrient cycling through leaf litter.
Salix alba
Willow 		The willow tree has deep roots that help improve soil structure and moisture retention around Portulaca oleracea.
Smilax herbacea
Carrion Flower, Smooth carrionflower 		The herbaceous vine provides additional cover and habitat for beneficial insects, which can help in pollination and pest control.
Zanthoxylum americanum
Prickly Ash - Northern, Common pricklyash, Northern Prickly Ash 		This flowering plant attracts pollinators and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the garden where Portulaca oleracea is grown.