At first glance, the little plant growing between cracks in your driveway, sidewalk, or garden may look like nothing more than an annoying weed. But that low-growing plant with thick, fleshy leaves, reddish stems, and tiny yellow flowers may actually be purslane (Portulaca oleracea)—a plant that has been eaten in many parts of the world for generations.
The viral warning “If you see this in your yard, do not break it under any circumstances” makes the plant sound dangerous. The reality is much more interesting: purslane isn’t a poisonous plant simply because it grows in your yard. In fact, it is considered an edible leafy vegetable in many cultures. However, there are important reasons to be careful before eating any wild plant.
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