Purslan in 6″Pot

A low, spreading annual succulent (behaving as a short-lived perennial in USDA 10–11), native to the Old World but now cosmopolitan as both weed and potherb. It forms prostrate mats 5–15 cm (2–6 in) tall, 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) wide; stems are smooth, fleshy, reddish to green, branched and trailing. Leaves are alternate to sub-opposite, clustered at stem tips, paddle- to spoon-shaped, 1–3 cm long, thick, glossy green (some cultivars have gold or red tones). Small, 5-petaled yellow flowers (≈6 mm/¼ in) open only on sunny mornings, usually tucked in leaf axils; blooms appear any time in warm weather. Seed capsules split to release abundant tiny black seeds (a single plant can set tens of thousands). Has a taproot with fibrous laterals; C4 photosynthesis and CAM-like drought tolerance.

Edible & nutrition: leaves, young stems, and shoot tips are edible raw (crisp, lemony-salty) or cooked; mucilaginous texture thickens soups. Exceptionally nutrient-dense: high in omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), vitamins A, C, E, and minerals (K, Mg, Ca, Fe); also contains oxalates (blanching reduces them). Toxic to cats/dogs/horses.

Quick care: full sun (≥6 hrs) for best growth and flowering; shade makes it leggy. Prefers poor to average, sandy or loamy, well-drained soil (pH 6–8); tolerates compacted, rocky soils. Water sparingly—let soil dry between waterings; extremely drought-tolerant once established, but growth slows under severe stress. Heat-loving (thrives 20–35 °C/68–95 °F); frost-tender; wait until soils are warm (>18 °C/65 °F) to sow. Feed little or not at all; a monthly dilute balanced feed is optional. Sow seed directly after last frost (or start indoors); stem cuttings root easily in soil. Watch for overwatering (rot) and in wet spots stem/root rot; aphids, snails/slugs occasionally. Self-seeds readily—can be weedy.