Purslane, one of the most common garden ‘weeds’ in the world and is most often considered an unwelcome guest. It was originally a native to India and Persia, but has for a very long time, been found extensively around the world – from Africa to Australia, Asia, America, Europe and the Middle East.
It pops up in gardens, pokes out of the corners of stairs and pavements. I recently found a few morsels tucked up in a corner next to our little rural tennis clubhouse. I’m not sure I’d eat these ones – quite a few dogs mark their territory around here, but when I find it it my garden, I am so delighted to have it’s presence.
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| Purslane thrives in dreadful soil, and grows where most other things will not – which is why I appreciate it so much. |
Many dig out purslane and curse it, but actually, since antiquity it has been regarded as a valuable edible and medicinal herb, and it is a great companion in the garden.
It’s one of those so-called ‘weeds’ I have been encouraging in my garden. I am known to dig up useful ‘weeds’ from forgotten corners of my neighbourhood and transplant them into my garden – dandelion, chickweed, radium weed and others. Usually though, they just come themselves without any effort whatsoever, which is a really great reason to love them – simple practical functional abundance!
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an annual succulent, known also as pursley, pigweed, or verdolaga, amongst a plethora of other common names. Here are some of the many reasons that I think purslane deserves a place in my garden:
Purslane is Edible
Purslane is very edible. The leaves, stems, flower buds and seeds of purslane are all edible.
As a leaf vegetable, purslane can be eaten raw or cooked – in salad, juice, stir fry, quiche, soup, curry, stew, sauces…. Many cultures around the world have special recipes for using purslane. Young leaves are alittle crunchy with a lemony taste, and a bit like watercress or spinach – perhaps a little salty tasting too.The young leaves taste really good in salads and sandwiches, the yellow flower buds as well. I like to add it to dips and blend it in with basil and other super greens to make a wonderful pesto. There is s much enormous potential for this delicious and nutritious ‘weed’.
The little black purslane seeds, found in the finished flower heads, can be used as a tea. The seeds actually can be eaten raw or cooked – they have a flavour a bit like linseed. Apparently indigenous Australians used to use the seeds of purslane to make flour for their seedcakes. In dry parts of Australia each plant can yield 10,000 seeds (more than cooler wetter climates) and the seeds can remain viable 7 years or more.
If you are going to cook purslane, I recommend that you cook it for a short time at a low temperature to preserve as much of the nutrients as possible. Also, it will go a bit slimy if overcook it – which is good if you want to thicken your soup, but I’m not such a fan of a slimy green side dish.
Purslane is a Healthy Food
Purslane is low in calories and fats, while being rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Purslane has more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable – a good source for vegetarians. Omega 3’sare considered to be important for preventing heart attacks and strengthening the immune system.
Purslane has seven times more beta carotene than carrots.
Purslane is an excellent source of Vitamin A (44% of RDA) – one of the highest among leafy greens – powerful natural antioxidant and an essential vitamin for vision and skin.Purslane also contains vitamins B, C and E, and also minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron.
Purslane is a Hardy Pioneer Plant
Purslane is an incredibly hardy plant that can withstand compact soils and drought – it is tough. It can grow in sun and shade, without water, fertiliser or any help at all. Not only can it survive and flourish in very difficult situations, but it actually to prepare soil for other plants. I think of it as a helpful pioneer – opening the soil with it’s taproot, so other roots can follow.The deep tap root of purslane draws also up moisture and nutrients to the surface allowing other plants around it to benefit.
Purslane can be used as a Cover Crop
Purslane covers the soil to create a living mulch which helps to protect soil and retain moisture. It adds organic matter as it dies back too.
Purslane for Animals
Pigs, chickens, goats, cows all love purslane and it is reported to help increase milk production and wellbeing of cattle.
Purslane is a Medicinal Plant
Throughout history, purslane has been used for many ailments. There are too many to mention – check out some of the resources below for more details on this.
I appreciate purslane to help sooth burns, insect bites and caterpillar itching – just crush up some leaves and either apply as a poultice or squeeze on the juice.
Some plants deserve to be more widely recognised. I think purslane is one of them. It certainly contributes to a healthy, diverse and sustainable food system.
Note about oxalic acid:
Purslane contains oxalic acid, a naturally-occurring substance found in some vegetables, which may crystallise as oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people. Cooking destroys the oxalic acid so people with rheumatism or gout should avoid eating it uncooked, but remember, cooking it too much also destroys it’s benefits. Isabell Shipard discusses in ‘Herbs are Special’ that a high oxalic acid intake is not necessarily considered to be a problem if foods rich in calcium (vegetables, greens and dairy products), as well as daily sunshine for vitamin D synthesis, are also typical in everyday life.
Note about harvesting weeds:
Make sure if you are wild harvesting that you know that it is a clean site.
To read more:
- Low, Tim (1991) Wild Food Plants of Australia. Harper Collins Australia.
- Grubb, Adam and Raser-Rowland, Annie (2012) The Weed Forager’s Handbook. A Guide to Edible and Medicinal Weeds in Australia
FAQs
Soil solarization, the practice of covering moist soil with a clear plastic sheet for 4 to 6 weeks during the summer months, can kill common purslane and its seed. Solarization is done before gardens and ornamental areas are planted.
Will purslane take over my garden? ›
Purslane can re-root itself from even a fragment of stem or leaves left in the soil, and mature plants shed up to 50,000 seeds for new growth. That's why this aggressive weed can quickly take over large sections of your yard and divert water and nutrients from your grass.
What are the side effects of purslane? ›
Purslane – Side Effects
Surprisingly, current research shows that the only side effect of eating purslane is that it can lead to the risk of developing kidney stones. Purslane contains oxalate that can lead to the development of kidney stones.
What does purslane do to the soil? ›
Purslane is a Hardy Pioneer Plant
I think of it as a helpful pioneer – opening the soil with it's taproot, so other roots can follow. The deep tap root of purslane draws also up moisture and nutrients to the surface allowing other plants around it to benefit.
Does purslane come back every year? ›
Is Purslane Annual Or Perennial? Purslane is an annual in all but the warmest climates in the country, but it does self-seed.
Can I eat purslane from my yard? ›
Any purslane plant can be harvested and eaten, as the leaves, stems, and flowers are completely edible. When preparing wild purslane, it's important to wash the plant carefully to ensure that no pesticides are on the leaves. Purslane is tart and a little salty, making it a great addition to salads and other dishes.
Should I get rid of purslane? ›
THE KEY TO KILLING PURSLANE
Catching it early will prevent it from developing seeds, which it can (and will) scatter far and wide. Killing it will also make sure that it can't replant itself by leaving behind a leaf or stem to take root.
How do I permanently get rid of purslane? ›
The best method for eliminating purslane is by hand pulling. Typically, a single purslane plant will cover a large area, so you can easily clear large areas affected by purslane weed with only a little effort. Herbicide can be used on these plants as well but work best while the plants are still young.
Is purslane toxic to humans? ›
The plant is nutritious and generally considered safe for human consumption. Due its content of oxalic acid, purslane should not be consumed by people with kidney disease or that have high uric acid (Gardner and McGuffin, 2012; Berdonces, 2009; Duke et al., 2009).
Does purslane raise blood pressure? ›
Consumption of purslane for 5 weeks led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and a borderline significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure in persons with type 2 diabetes.
Well before the time of Pliney, there is mention of purslane in the Bible. The prophet Job asks “Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there taste in the slime of the purslane?” The 'slime' probably refers to the mucilaginous nature of purslane.
Can purslane cure diabetes? ›
The use of purslane seeds improved Type II diabetes; therefore it can be effective in improving the health of women with diabetes.
Do deer eat purslane? ›
The cheerful, chalice-like blooms close up at night, but pop back open as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon. Purslane is also a favorite plant for hungry butterflies. It's deer resistant, too.
Is purslane good for sleep? ›
Aside from the vitamins, purslane also contains Glutathione, which protects cells from damage. It also has some melatonin, which helps you keep a normal sleep cycle. Try eating purslane with your dinner to help yourself get a good night's sleep!
How long do purslane plants last? ›
It grows rapidly on its own, producing flowers for about three weeks. Purslane spreads rapidly when it is allowed to go to seed. Plants that are uprooted but not removed from the site may begin growing again.
What animal eats purslane? ›
A variety of wildlife enjoy purslane. Pollinators visit the flowers, birds and rodents eat the seeds, and herbivores munch on the leaves. It's is safe for livestock, such as chickens, as part of a mixed diet.
Will purslane grow in shade? ›
Thrives in most well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Although it prefers regular water, it can tolerate drought. For a tender, generous crop, keep the soil moist at all times.
Is purslane anti aging? ›
Purslane promotes the anti-aging enzyme telomerase which protects the cells DNA repair function acting like a regenerative fountain of youth for your skin. Purslane holds the distinction of highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids of any vegetable.
Is purslane good for arthritis? ›
Purslane is also used for cooking or used as a pickle. Its medicinal value is evident from its use for treatment of burns, headache, and diseases related to the intestine, liver, stomach, cough, shortness of breath, and arthritis.
What does purslane do on skin? ›
Purslane is the key to a great anti-aging skin care regimen and reduces skin inflammation, improves overall blood flow, and stimulates cell repair, which reduces the appearance of scars and wrinkles.
Purslane contains soluble calcium oxalates. This property is what makes it toxic to your dog. Soluble oxalates are composed of potassium and sodium salts of oxalic acid. Once ingested, the oxalates are quickly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract leading to symptoms of toxicity.
Why is purslane so good for you? ›
Purslane is best used for human consumption as a green vegetable rich in minerals and omega-3 fatty acids [20]. Omega-3 fatty acid is a precursor of a specific group of hormones. It may offer protection against cardiovascular disease, cancers, and a number of chronic diseases and conditions throughout the human life.
Will purslane choke out other plants? ›
Purslane grows close to the ground and spreads out to create a thick mat that suppresses other weeds and helps to keep the soil cool and moist. This living mulch can be a great benefit to the garden but also it must be managed because it can easily overtake your other plants and choke them out.
Is purslane good for the brain? ›
Overall, the present study demonstrated the neuroprotective role of purslane in the striatum and proposes its prophylactic potential against developing brain damage and Parkinson's disease induction followed by rotenone administration, and that purslane may be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent against ...
How much purslane should I eat a day? ›
A little more than two cups of purslane contains about 35 percent of your daily recommended intake for vitamin C. Because vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, it works to reduce our risk of inflammation and chronic disease.
Is purslane good for inflammation? ›
(PO) or Purslane is an annual grassy plant that is distributed in many parts of the world, especially the tropical and subtropical areas. PO has some pharmacological properties such as analgesic, antibacterial, skeletal muscle-relaxant, wound-healing, anti- inflammatory and a radical scavenger.
Why is purslane growing in my grass? ›
Purslane is a summer annual broadleaf weed and is a common problem on lawns and gardens across the country. Purslane tends to grow vigorously on soil that is warm, moist and sufficiently fertilized and can easily thrive in damp areas.
How can you tell the difference between purslane and spurge? ›
The most consistent distinguishing characteristic is that the leaves and stems of spurges exude a white latex when broken; purslane does not. Furthermore, the leaves of spurges are not succulent, while those of purslane are.
Can purslane make you sick? ›
The plant is nutritious and generally considered safe for human consumption. Due its content of oxalic acid, purslane should not be consumed by people with kidney disease or that have high uric acid (Gardner and McGuffin, 2012; Berdonces, 2009; Duke et al., 2009).
Do purslane plants spread? ›
Purslane spreads rapidly when it is allowed to go to seed. Plants that are uprooted but not removed from the site may begin growing again. Plants need to be pulled by hand to keep them from spreading.
Purslane contains powerful antioxidants that stimulate collagen and cell repair which results in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and even scarring. Copper promotes hyaluronic acid that plumps the skin and manganese activates antioxidant enzymes.
What is the white stuff on my purslane? ›
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a powdery gray or white coating on the leaves and stems of infected plants. 1 A powdery mildew infection generally starts out as a few spores on the leaves but quickly spreads, forming a thick coating of fungi.
