Common Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Common Purslane is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Common purslane is a low-growing succulent annual with small, fleshy paddle-shaped leaves and tiny yellow flowers. This hardy plant spreads along the ground forming a dense mat and tolerates drought well once established. It grows quickly during summer months and dies back with the first frost.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Purslane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Widely considered a weed by most homeowners
- Aggressive self-seeding can spread to neighbors' yards
- Low, sprawling growth looks informal and weedy
Wildlife value
The small yellow flowers attract bees and beneficial beetles during the long summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for ground-feeding birds and small wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Common Purslane and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.