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Wingpod Purslane

Portulaca umbraticola

Last reviewed: August 2026

Wingpod Purslane (Portulaca umbraticola)
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, GA and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Wingpod purslane is a low-growing succulent annual that forms colorful mats of small, fleshy leaves. It produces cheerful flowers throughout the warm months and thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wingpod Purslane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual lifespan creates gaps in landscape
  • Low mat-forming growth may appear weedy
  • Common name includes 'purslane' which has negative associations

Wildlife value

This plant attracts bees and beetles during its long blooming period from May through September. Its nectar-rich flowers provide valuable food sources for pollinators during hot months.

Common questions

How much sun does Wingpod Purslane need?
Wingpod Purslane grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Wingpod Purslane bloom?
Wingpod Purslane blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Wingpod Purslane native?
Wingpod Purslane (Portulaca umbraticola) is native to AL, AR, AZ, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Wingpod Purslane attract?
Wingpod Purslane draws bees and beetles.
Is Wingpod Purslane HOA-friendly?
Wingpod 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Wingpod Purslane? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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