Spotted spurge
Toxic · do not eatSpurge has thin, often hairy stems and irritating milky sap; purslane is fleshy.
Extra care needed
Common purslane.
Portulaca oleracea
Also found as Verdolaga
A low, fleshy warm-season plant with culinary use across many regions.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Contains oxalates; avoid large intakes. Rule out spurges before any food use.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 46,484
- People who recorded it
- 19,312
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jul–Sep
- Records span
- 1976–2026
| January | 512 |
|---|---|
| February | 519 |
| March | 824 |
| April | 2212 |
| May | 1943 |
| June | 4708 |
| July | 9918 |
| August | 10286 |
| September | 6674 |
| October | 3222 |
| November | 1196 |
| December | 639 |
| January | 581 |
|---|---|
| February | 602 |
| March | 540 |
| April | 664 |
| May | 276 |
| June | 106 |
| July | 98 |
| August | 78 |
| September | 102 |
| October | 119 |
| November | 222 |
| December | 443 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Smooth, thick, succulent leaves clustered at joints.
- 02
Round, fleshy branching stems often tinged red.
- 03
Small yellow five-petaled flowers near shoot tips.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Cosmopolitan, with extensive human-assisted distribution.
Watch the plant stage
Active succulent growth in warm conditions, often following rain or irrigation.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf · Stem
Confirmed leaves and stems are used raw or cooked as vegetables.
Care for the patch
Gather from clean garden beds; leave surrounding vegetation and soil undisturbed.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- NC State Extension · Portulaca oleraceaBotanical description, range and documented use
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction