Gardeners that hear how much I love purslane are not just shocked but they think I'm crazy! Until I share the whole story with them. There are two classes of purslane: weed and ornamental.
This thread is dealing with the weed purslane, which is also called common purslane. It spreads and cause all sorts of trouble in gardens and on farms. It is the most delicious tasting but the culprit is truly invasive. When you till purslane, it creates the seeds to scatter and sow themselves everywhere. Your best bet in getting rid of it is to eat it or sell it at farmers markets. In certain markets, they sell out of it because it's a favorite ingredient in making omelets, soups and salads. ***
Make sure you do not eat spurge by accident. It looks similar but is NOT Edible.
Purslane has a thick branch that is generally a reddish color and the size of cables for your printer. Spurge is floppier, at least in Phoenix. and I've never seen a flower on it.
The weed purslane has teeny yellow flowers tucked in between the leaves. It's formal name is Portulaca Oleracea.
