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Common Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

Last reviewed: June 2026

Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Photo: (c) Charla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Charla

Common Purslane is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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

Coast RangeCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Purslane need?
Common Purslane grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Purslane bloom?
Common Purslane blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Common Purslane native?
Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is native to MT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Common Purslane toxic to dogs?
Yes. Common Purslane is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Common Purslane toxic to cats?
Yes. Common Purslane is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Common Purslane attract?
Common Purslane draws bees and beetles.
Is Common Purslane HOA-friendly?
Common Purslane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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