Common Purslane (Note: The image actually shows a broadleaf weed, Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), rather than a true grass species, but is assessed contextually as the requested specimen)
Portulaca oleracea · Warm-season, Annual, C4 photosynthetic pathway
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass or Succulent Weed
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11 as a warm-season annual
Grass Family
Portulacaceae (not a grass/Poaceae family member)
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
About This Grass
Low-growing succulent with smooth, reddish, fleshy stems and alternative or subopposite flat, fleshy leaves. Produces small yellow flowers and capsule seeds.
Blade Characteristics
Not a grass; leaves are obovate to spatulate, fleshy, succulent, smooth, entire margins, rounded tips, lack typical grass vernation, ligules, and auricles
Root System
Strong central taproot with fibrous secondary lateral roots, extremely drought-resistant and capable of surviving uprooting
Growing Information
Origin Region
Cosmopolitan distribution; native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, now naturalized globally
Growth Habit
Prostrate, mat-forming, succulent herb spreading radially from a central taproot
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, highly drought tolerant due to succulent nature, thrives in poor compacted soils with neutral to slightly acidic/alkaline pH
Mowing & Maintenance
Resilient to low mowing; high maintenance/removal required as it easily fragments and regenerates from stem cuttings
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought tolerance (CAM photosynthesis), high resistance to many standard herbicides due to thick cuticle, prolific seed producer
Ecological Information
Introduced weed status in many regions, high nutritional value for certain wildlife and birds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, often acts as a pioneer species in disturbed soils