Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Also called Common purslane, Pigweed and Pusley
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitIt is a WEED in most of the world and a crop in the rest, and it is the same plant. Sow it once and you will have it for years — which is either the point or the problem.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 10 daysWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun, and the poorer the soil the better
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Tender — no frost at all RHS H2, to 1°C
- Size
- 0.15 m tall · 0.6 m across
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Origin
- Probably the Middle East, now everywhere
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses. Signs: kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats), tremors and drooling.
PeopleNothing recorded against it
Safe to eat: the leaves and stems.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.