Portulaca oleracea

(Common Purslane)

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Portulaca oleracea, John Martin Reservoir State Park, Bent Co. 9989

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Portulaca oleracea, John Martin Reservoir State Park, Bent Co. 9985

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Portulaca oleracea, John Martin Reservoir State Park, Bent Co. 9994

Scientific Name Portulaca oleracea USDA PLANTS Symbol POOL
Common Name Common Purslane, Little Hogweed ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20422
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink) (formerly Portulacacea) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 8500 ft.); various soils in disturbed areas; widespread globally.
Plant: Annual herb with succulent, prostrate or ascending stems radiating and forming a sprawling mat up to 2 ft. wide; stems are fleshy, smooth and usually red.
Leaves: Alternate leaves, crowded and appearing nearly opposite or whorled, especially near branch tips; flat, fleshy blades ovate to spatulate, 1 to 1-3/4 inches long.
Inflorescence: Small solitary or clustered flowers at the ends of branches; flowers with 4 to 6 (usually 5) yellow petals notched at the tip, 1/8 to 1/4-inch across; 6 to 20 yellow stamens; 2 or 4 green sepals.
Bloom Period: June to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains