Portulaca pilosa

Portulaca pilosa, commonly known as hairy purslane or kiss-me-quick, is a low-growing annual plant belonging to the family Portulacaceae. Native to South America, it has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world. The plant features succulent, alternately arranged leaves on the stem, covered with fine hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. The small flowers of Portulaca pilosa come in shades of pink, yellow, or white, each with five petals. Hairy purslane is a hardy plant that thrives in various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate drought conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established. Often used as an ornamental ground cover, it is appreciated for its attractive foliage and colorful flowers. In traditional medicine, Portulaca pilosa has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Recent studies have also indicated its potential for treating diabetes due to its ability to lower blood glucose levels. Overall, Portulaca pilosa is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape, thanks to its unique appearance, low maintenance requirements, and potential medicinal benefits.

🌳 Kiss-me-quick is a low-growing, flowering succulent that gardeners prize for its beauty, drought and heat resistance, and versatility in almost any soil type. It serves as a durable groundcover in dry, sunny areas and, thanks to its trailing growth habit, is also an excellent option for hanging baskets and tall planters.

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Characteristics

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Life Cycle

Annual, Perennial

Genus

Portulaca

Family

Portulacaceae

Hardiness Zone

8-11

Mature Height

0 cm to 30 cm

Mature Spread

15 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Size

2.54 cm

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Summer, Early fall

Native Area

Chile, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Georgia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Jamaica, Colombia, Bahamas, Cuba, Paraguay, Argentina, Haiti, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica

Tags (5)

Common Names (11)