Again, from Mother Earth News, April/May 2005

Common purslane, Portulaca oleracea is a common "weed".

Other names are: duckweed, fatweed, pussley, verdolagas, wild portulaca.


In taste, it is sort of a crunchy, maybe lemony spinach or watercress. Young leaves served raw are good in salads and sandwiches. High in pectin, it can thicken soups or stews. Lightly steamed or stir fried, it is also tasty.

It is high in omega-3's, and in vitamin E and C, and also several minerals.

It is an annual that prefers rich soil. It grows flat, and the plant can go to about 16 inches in diameter. Small yellow flowers appear in July. These will usually only open in full sun. You can buy garden purslane or golden purslane seeds from supply centers - these varieties will grow more upright than the wild.

Planting the seeds: after the last frost, plant shallowly (1/4 in) about 4-6 inches apart. Keep moist until sprouted, then they'll take care of themselves.