Common purslane identified as the probable identity of the unknown plant
In the heart of the monsoon season, gardeners in N.P. may find an unwelcome guest in their backyard – weedy purslane. This plant, while not inherently harmful to a garden, can become problematic if left unchecked.
Weedy purslane thrives in warm weather and requires several good rains to grow. If removed, it can reroot and grow again if left sitting. However, a cultivated strain called Wildfire purslane, known for its colorfulness and ease of growth, can be found in N.P.'s patio pots.
But what about the plant found in the uncultivated part of N.P.'s backyard? If it resembles ornamental purslane but is not flowering much, it is likely prostrate spurge, a type of spurge. Unlike purslane, spurge does not flower prominently and has a milky sap in its stems, whereas purslane has clear, watery sap. Spurge is toxic to people and pets if ingested, so it should be removed to avoid accidental poisoning.
Ornamental purslane, such as Portulaca grandiflora, typically has noticeable flowers and is cultivated, while spurge resembles purslane in leaf shape and growth habit but lacks showy flowers and contains toxic sap. Because spurge is considered a weed and can be harmful, removing it from uncultivated areas, gardens, or lawns is generally recommended to prevent spreading and reduce toxicity risk.
The weedy purslane seed is very small and light, potentially allowing it to blow in. Mosquitoes are known for seeking out places to rear their young, and monsoonal wetness may create places where water collects, attracting mosquitoes. It is important to tip over or drain anything that could collect water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
If you have any questions or concerns about your garden, you can send them to the Albuquerque Journal. Vigilance is necessary to prevent weedy purslane from becoming an invasive species in a garden, and to keep your garden and family safe from the potential hazards of spurge.
[1] Source: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources [2] Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service [3] Source: Purdue University Extension [4] Source: Colorado State University Extension [5] Source: Missouri Botanical Garden
- Incorporating plants like Wildfire purslane into one's home-and-garden lifestyle, particularly in patio pots, can help beautify the outdoor space while reducing the dominance of weedy purslane.
- As weedy purslane can be potentially harmful if ingested due to its tendency to grow in gardens and its association with toxic spurge, maintaining a vigilant lifestyle in garden maintenance is essential to ensure safety for both family and pets.
