Plant Details

Portulaca oleracea

Green Purslane, Little hogweed

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Common names

101 names · 65 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Common Purslane[2]
  • cooter grass[2]
  • Green Purslane
+6 more namesShow fewer names
Other languages (64)
Dutch
French
  • Pourpier[2]
  • Pourpier cultivé
  • Pourpier potager[2]
Afrikaans
  • beesporselein[2]
  • beesporslein[2]
  • bobbejaandraad[2]
+9 more namesShow fewer names
  • gewone porslein[2]
  • porselane[2]
  • porselein[2]
  • porslein[2]
  • postelein[2]
  • Purslane[2]
  • rooipootjieporselein[2]
  • rooipootjieporslein[2]
  • Varkkos[2]
Arabic
  • بقلة حمقاء[2]
  • رجلة[2]
Belarusian
  • Партулак агародны[2]
Bulgarian
  • Тученица[2]
Catalan
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Chontal
Cuicateco
Czech
  • šrucha zelná[2]
Danish
Esperanto
  • Komuna Purslane[2]
Estonian
  • harilik portulak[2]
Finnish
  • rikkaportulakka[2]
Galician
German
  • Gemüse-Portulak[2]
Greek
  • Ανδράχλη[2]
  • Αντράκλα[2]
  • Γλιστρίδα[2]
+1 more nameShow fewer names
  • Γλυστρίδα[2]
Hawaiian
  • `akulikuli[2]
Hebrew
  • רגלת הגינה[2]
Huasteco
  • pitzitzhual[2]
Hungarian
  • Kövér porcsin[2]
Indonesian
Italian
  • Erba dei porci[2]
  • Portulaca[2]
Japanese
  • スベリヒユ[2]
Korean
Kurdish
  • پەڵپینە[2]
Kweyol
Latvian
  • Dārza portulaka[2]
Lithuanian
  • Paprastoji portulaka[2]
Marathi
  • घोळू[2]
Mayan languages
  • kabal-chum[2]
Nahuatl
  • itzmīquilitl[2]
Navajo
  • Tsegha' niłchi'[2]
  • Tsiighájiłchíí[2]
Ngarluma
Norwegian
Oshikwanyama
  • Engamundjulu[2]
Oshindonga
  • Engamundjulu[2]
Otomi
Palauan
  • bungaruaurasers[2]
Polish
  • Portulaka pospolita[2]
Portuguese
Purepecha
  • acahuecashacua[2]
Romanian
  • grașiță[2]
  • iarbă grasă[2]
Russian
  • Портулак огородный[2]
Santali
  • ᱢᱚᱴᱟ ᱩᱨᱤᱪ ᱟᱞᱟᱝ[2]
  • ᱩᱨᱤᱪ ᱟᱞᱟᱝ[2]
Sekgatla
Serbian
Slovak
  • portulaka zeleninová[2]
Slovenian
  • navadni tolščak[2]
Sotho
Spanish
  • Verdolaga euroasiática[2]
Swati
Swedish
Thai
  • ผักเบี้ยใหญ่[2]
Totonaco
Tswana
Turkish
Ukrainian
  • Портулак городній[2]
Xhosa
  • igwanitsha[2]
Zapoteco
  • nocuana-zeeche[2]
Zulu
Language not specified
  • Purslane[1]
  • Wilder Portulak[1]
Sources & name notes (2)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Portulaca oleracea L. ↗

Common names from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20. License: CC BY.

Source records
  • Little hogweed — VernacularName.tsv, line 147495; taxon 4M2DF.
  • Purslane — VernacularName.tsv, line 147496; taxon 4M2DF.
  • Verdolaga — VernacularName.tsv, line 147497; taxon 4M2DF.
  • Wilder Portulak — VernacularName.tsv, line 147498; taxon 4M2DF.
[2] Portulaca oleracea — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • רגלת הגינה — results[1].names[1]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Portulaca — results[1].names[2]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Common Purslane — results[1].names[3]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Pourpier potager — results[1].names[4]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Purslane — results[1].names[5]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • acahuecashacua — results[1].names[6]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • itzmīquilitl — results[1].names[7]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • kabal-chum — results[1].names[8]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • nocuana-zeeche — results[1].names[9]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • pi-tu-le — results[1].names[10]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • pitzitzhual — results[1].names[11]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • tzutcaní — results[1].names[12]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • uadela — results[1].names[13]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • x'pulcac — results[1].names[14]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Pourpier — results[1].names[16]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • 馬齒莧 — results[1].names[17]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Beldroega — results[1].names[18]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • `akulikuli — results[1].names[19]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Gemüse-Portulak — results[1].names[20]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • šrucha zelná — results[1].names[21]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Verdolaga — results[1].names[22]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • رجلة — results[1].names[23]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • بقلة حمقاء — results[1].names[24]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • スベリヒユ — results[1].names[25]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Portulak — results[1].names[26]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Postelein — results[1].names[27]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Pigweed — results[1].names[28]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Портулак огородный — results[1].names[29]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • portulakk — results[1].names[30]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Тученица — results[1].names[31]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Erba dei porci — results[1].names[32]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • rikkaportulakka — results[1].names[33]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Paprastoji portulaka — results[1].names[34]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Portulaka pospolita — results[1].names[35]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Krokot — results[1].names[36]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • 쇠비름 — results[1].names[37]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Γλιστρίδα — results[1].names[38]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • 马齿苋 — results[1].names[39]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • harilik portulak — results[1].names[40]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • portlak — results[1].names[41]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • koupyé — results[1].names[42]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Αντράκλα — results[1].names[43]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Γλυστρίδα — results[1].names[44]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Ανδράχλη — results[1].names[45]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • semizotu — results[1].names[46]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • vildportlak — results[1].names[47]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Munyeroo — results[1].names[48]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Serepe — results[1].names[49]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • selele — results[1].names[50]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • bungaruaurasers — results[1].names[51]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Портулак городній — results[1].names[52]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Партулак агародны — results[1].names[53]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • ผักเบี้ยใหญ่ — results[1].names[54]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Little Hogweed — results[1].names[55]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Beldroega — results[1].names[57]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • beesporselein — results[1].names[58]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • beesporslein — results[1].names[59]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • bobbejaandraad — results[1].names[60]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • gewone porslein — results[1].names[61]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • porselane — results[1].names[62]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • porselein — results[1].names[63]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • porslein — results[1].names[64]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • postelein — results[1].names[65]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Purslane — results[1].names[66]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • rooipootjieporselein — results[1].names[67]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • rooipootjieporslein — results[1].names[68]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Varkkos — results[1].names[69]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Pruslane — results[1].names[70]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Purslain — results[1].names[71]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • selatsi — results[1].names[72]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • isilele — results[1].names[73]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • silele — results[1].names[74]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • igwanitsha — results[1].names[75]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • izilele — results[1].names[76]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • lenjana — results[1].names[77]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Engamundjulu — results[1].names[78]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Engamundjulu — results[1].names[79]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Komuna Purslane — results[1].names[80]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Tsegha' niłchi' — results[1].names[81]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Tsiighájiłchíí — results[1].names[82]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • ᱩᱨᱤᱪ ᱟᱞᱟᱝ — results[1].names[83]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • ᱢᱚᱴᱟ ᱩᱨᱤᱪ ᱟᱞᱟᱝ — results[1].names[84]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Kövér porcsin — results[1].names[85]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • cooter grass — results[1].names[86]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • navadni tolščak — results[1].names[87]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Dārza portulaka — results[1].names[88]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Gulburru — results[1].names[89]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Verdolaga euroasiática — results[1].names[90]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • iarbă grasă — results[1].names[91]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • grașiță — results[1].names[92]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • घोळू — results[1].names[93]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • پەڵپینە — results[1].names[94]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • portulaka zeleninová — results[1].names[95]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • Тушт — results[1].names[96]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • 麻绳菜 — results[1].names[97]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • 马踏菜 — results[1].names[98]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.
  • selele — results[1].names[99]; taxon id 58991; Portulaca oleracea.

General information

Scientific name: Portulaca oleracea
Accepted name (Kew): Portulaca oleracea L. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1] [2]
Botanical family: Portulacaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Portulaca (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Green Purslane, Little hogweed
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.30 m
Spread: 0.30 m
Growth rate: Fast
Sources [3]
Foliage: None
Growth habit: Erect, Horizontal, Prostrate

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [3]
Life cycle: Annual
Sources [3]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [3]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Occasionally Dry

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [3]
Soil:
Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky
Sources [3]
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun
Sources [3]

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Seed
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
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

Harvest starts: 01/06
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 322914; name ID 2574359; Portulaca L.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 313398; name ID 2566490; Portulaca oleracea L..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Catalogue of Life Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Portulaca oleracea

    Taxonomic data from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20.

    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: COL 2026-08-20, NameUsage.tsv line 1014927, ID 4M2DF: Portulaca oleracea L. (accepted).

    Source checked on .

  3. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Portulaca oleracea — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: Growth rateGrowth habitLife cycleLightSoil moistureSoil textureUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .