8 Reasons to Leave Purslane Growing — The "Weed" That's Actually a Superfood!

You've probably yanked it from your garden, sidewalk, or flower beds for years—thinking it's just another pesky weed.

But what if that low-growing, succulent-leafed plant with tiny yellow flowers is actually one of nature's most nutrient-dense superfoods?

Meet purslane (Portulaca oleracea)—a humble "weed" that's been eaten for centuries in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. It's drought-tolerant, spreads easily, and packs more nutrition per bite than kale, spinach, or even blueberries.

Before you pull it, read this. You might just start planting it instead.

What Is Purslane?

Purslane is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves and stems, small yellow flowers, and a slightly tangy, lemony flavor with a hint of pepper. It grows low to the ground and thrives in disturbed soil—driveways, sidewalk cracks, gardens, and fields.

To the untrained eye, it's a weed. To those in the know, it's a free, abundant, incredibly nutritious food.