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| Identification |
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Genus
Portulaca
Species
oleracea
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
purslane
Indian cress
verdolaga
carti-choy
portulaca
pourpier
Family
PORTULACACEAE
Specimen number
S12025
Data source
MedPl p253;UnVeg p323;Xeri p276
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Perennial
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Various
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Optimal soil texture
Soil texture 05
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Full sun to partial shade is ideal for Portulaca oleracea. Portulaca oleracea is known as verdolaga in Mexican, carti-choy in Chinese, portulaca in Italian and pourpier in French.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
demulcent
febrifuge
antidiarrheal
antibiotic
anthelmintic
Medicinal parts
Aerial parts
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
yes
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
The leaves of this plant and the stems are both edible. Some of the vitamins and minerals found in Portulaca oleracea include: vitamin B complex and vitamin C. Indian cress (sometimes called purslane) is most frequently used cooked or fresh. This plant has herbal applications as a demulcent, as a febrifuge, as an antidiarrheal and as an antibiotic. See the medicinal properties section for even more traditional herbal uses. This species should not be used by anyone who is pregnant. Herbal remedies are only prepared from the aerial parts.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Seed
Pollination method
Planting style
Beds
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Apr 01 - Nov 30
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Hardy
Heat requirement
Any
Fertilizer
Potassium
Time to harvest
early summer to late fall
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Fresh
Cooked
Nutritional value
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Edible parts
Leaves
Stems
Description of edible parts
mucilaginous and fleshy
Flavor / texture
acidic tasting
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
New crops can be started from April through November, providing an 8 month rotation. Potassium is required for optimal growth. The best harvesting period is early summer to late fall. Portulaca oleracea is typically propagated by seed.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Portulaca oleracea is a perennial. The flowers are most often a yellow color.
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Page 3789 of 4998
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