WEED ID · SUMMER ANNUAL BROADLEAF
Common purslane
Also called Purslane
A fleshy summer weed that grows flat in thin spots and beds. One plant makes a lot of seed that can last in the soil for years.
How to spot it
- Thick, shiny, fleshy leaves that are oblong or wedge shaped
- Red or pink stems that lie flat and fan out from the center
- Small yellow flowers with 5 petals
- Forms a low mat in bare or thin spots
- Seed capsules split open around the middle
Why it shows up
Purslane seed sprouts when the soil warms up. It moves into bare ground, flower beds, and thin, low-maintenance turf. One plant can make a huge amount of seed, and that seed can stay alive in the soil for many years. Pulled stems can take root again.
How we treat it
Purslane is an annual that grows from seed, so timing matters. We use pre-emergent timing to stop seed from sprouting. For plants already up, we spot treat young ones with a product labeled for your grass type. We also fertilize to thicken the turf. In beds, pulling and mulch work well.
What you can do
- Pull small plants and throw them away. Do not leave them on the soil.
- Spread 3 inches or more of mulch in beds to block light.
- Fill in thin and bare spots in the lawn.
WANT IT HANDLED?
Let a licensed applicator take it from here.
Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.
Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138