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Purslane is a summer annual with prostrate growth from a tap root and fibrous surface roots. The leaves are thick and waxy, resembling a Jade plant. The leaves usually alternate, with a cluster at the tip of the stem. Stems are thick, red in color, and branch out from a central point, forming a mat up to 1 foot in diameter. |
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The flower is solitary, yellow in color and has 5 petals. The flower is found in the leaf axis or at the tip of the stem. Purslane flowers from May to November and spreads by seeds, which germinate in the spring, or by stem fragments. Purslane is found through out the United States, but less in the Pacific Northwest. |
| Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations: |
Cultural
Practices:
Dense,
vigorous cool-season turf areas will resist infestation. Physical removal
of single plants can be easily accomplished, although it is important
to eliminate all stem fragments. Follow good turf management practices
including disease and insect control and proper fertilization. Purslane
can become a problem in newly seeded areas. It is best to avoid attempting
to establish new stands of cool-season turfgrass in the spring. Fall seedling
establishment will not be threatened by purslane aggression.
Herbicide Use:
The best
time to control purslane with a postemergent broadleaf herbicide is when
the plant is in the seedling stage, actively growing and between the four
true-leaf and flower growth stage. Later in the plants life cycle it will
be necessary to mow prior to herbicide application and assure that good
contact is made with the prostrate plant.
University Links | Gordon's Recommendations | Germination Dates
