What is this weed? HELP!

Butchb · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Plainview,TEXAS

My neighbor isn't the best gardener in the world, these started in his yard a few years ago , then about 3 years ago they came across the line into my vegie garden. I keep trying to pull them up, as the vinegar does nothing to them, but if you break off even a small part of a leaf and let it fall it will take root & start a new plant. Don't know if the pics show it well enough but the leaves are kind of fat. I think it may be in the same plant family as portulaca. as it is simular, but without the flowers.
What is it , and how do I get rid of it?

Tricky Grama · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 10:12 am Post subject:

Wow-it's kinda pretty!

Must be a succulent so I'd suggest drowning it to death. But maybe that's not the answer-would think all the rain would have taken care of it.

Are you sure you don't have a spot for it?

Sorry I don't have solutions.

Patty

P Ferrell · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Allen,TEXAS

I'd say is is a Portulalca species - Portulaca oleracea, Common Purslane. The behavior and description pretty much matches my experience with it. It does flower (though I don't remember ever seeing it do so), but not as extravagantly as Moss Rose, Portulaca grandiflora.

Other than pulling by hand I don't know how to get rid of it. I've seen some folks talk about using a torch weeder for it, though.

Common Purslane - Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide
Common Purslane - UC Davis IPM site

Regards,
Patrick Ferrell
Allen, Texas

e Craig · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

Yeah. It looks like purslane to me, too.
If it is, you might also try snacking on it as you pull it, or save some for your salads.

Take care.
Craig

Butchb · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Plainview,TEXAS

Thanks for answering, it is purslane. Now my problem is do I keep fighting it or eat it? Decisions, Decisions!

squid · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Abilene,TEXAS

I had never thought of eating it until the other night. I was watching the Discovery Health channels 'Manic Organic'. The host, Antony John, was harvesting greens and ate some....

Nadine · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 1162 Location: Carrollton,TEXAS

I could not help but notice the bare soil. To have bare soil is to ask for weeds. Soil does not like to be bare. I wouldn't want to be without protection from the elements, either. It gets too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. Mulch with at least 3-4 inches of native tree trimmings or cedar mulch. Rough cut larger pieces are more desirable as a bottom layer as it allows for water to penetrate and for oxygen exchange.