Purslane is an invasive weed that can be difficult to get rid of, but with the right approach, it can be managed. It often grows in lawns and gardens, where its deep taproots make it hardy and resilient.
Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to control purslane without using harsh chemicals or labor-intensive methods. From hand weeding to mulching and other cultural practices, you can learn how to keep this pesky plant under control so your garden can flourish. Read on for some helpful tips on getting rid of purslane!
What is Purslane & How to Identify It?
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an invasive weed that can be a nuisance in home gardens and lawns. It spreads quickly, forming dense mats of green succulent foliage that have tiny yellow flowers. The leaves are rounded and fleshy, with a reddish tinge to them, and the stems are reddish-purple in color. Purslane is easily identifiable by its thick taproot, which can grow up to a foot long. This deep root system makes it exceedingly difficult to eradicate from an area once it has taken hold.
Like other weeds, purslane reproduces mainly through seed dispersal. Birds and other animals eat the seeds, which then colonize new areas as they pass through the digestive system of their hosts. Wind dispersal also plays a role in spreading purslane seeds throughout gardens and lawns. Once established, purslane can quickly take over an area due to its mat-forming habit of growth and prolific production of seeds.
In terms of appearance, purslane is a low-growing plant that typically grows no more than 10 inches tall. Its oval-shaped leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, with each leaf measuring between 1/4 – 3/4 inch long and having entire margins (edges). Some cultivars have been selectively bred for use in salads or for decorative purposes; these plants tend to have larger leaves than their wild counterparts.
Identifying purslane is fairly straightforward—just look for its distinctive features such as its succulent foliage and thick taproot. However, distinguishing it from other weeds can be tricky since many look similar at first glance; certain types of spurge (Euphorbia) or chickweed (Stellaria media) may be mistaken for purslane if not identified properly. To make sure you’re dealing with purslane rather than another weed species, take note of the plant’s leaf shape and texture as well as its reddish stems when identifying it in your garden or lawn space.
How to Eliminate Purslane on your Lawn
Natural Methods
1. Hand Weeding: This is the simplest and most effective way to get rid of purslane in your lawn or garden. Regularly monitor any areas where purslane has taken hold and remove it by hand as soon as you spot it. However, be sure to remove the entire root system—if even a small portion remains in the ground, the weed will quickly regenerate from it.
2. Mulching: Placing a thick layer of mulch atop an existing purslane infestation can help to smother the weed and limit its spread. You can use organic materials such as hay, straw, or wood chips for this purpose. Be sure to cover the entire area with several inches of mulch and replace it as needed; otherwise, the purslane will just regrow through the gaps.
3. Plant Competition: Planting ground cover or large shrubs over a purslane infestation can help to crowd out the weed by depriving it of sunlight and nutrients. This is an especially effective method if you have a large area to cover.
Chemical Control
In some cases, chemical control may be necessary to eliminate a purslane infestation, although it should be used as a last resort. Herbicides are an effective way to control purslane, as long as the appropriate product is chosen for the situation. Dithiopyr, pendimethalin, or combinations of benefits and trifluralin or benefit and oryzalin (used in bermudagrass turf only) will control common purslane as pre-emergent treatments.
For postemergence control, herbicides with active ingredients such as glyphosate or diquat may be used. It is important to read and follow all pesticide labels for specific directions regarding application methods, safety precautions, and removal of treated plants.
Remember that chemical control should always be used in conjunction with other methods such as hand weeding and mulching to ensure the successful eradication of purslane from your lawn or garden.
Preventing Future Growth of Purslane
Once you’ve eliminated purslane from your lawn, take steps to prevent it from returning. The best way to stop purslane from coming back is to practice good cultural management techniques such as proper irrigation and mowing, controlling thatch levels, and regular fertilization.
Maintaining a healthy turf is key for preventing weeds like purslane from taking over. If you’re having trouble keeping your lawn healthy, consider hiring a professional turf management service to help maintain the area.
Finally, be sure to check for any areas where the purslane may be attempting to regrow and remove it as soon as possible.
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are several other ways to prevent purslane from taking over your lawn or garden. Examples include:
1. Pruning: If you notice purslane growing in a certain area of your lawn, prune it back before it can begin spreading further. This is especially important for trees and shrubs.
2. Crop Rotations: To make sure your garden soil doesn’t become overly hospitable to purslane, practice crop rotation by planting different crops in the same area each year. This helps to keep weed populations down and reduce the risk of infestation.
3. Weed Barriers: Installing a weed barrier in your garden or lawn can help to keep purslane from taking hold. Fabric barriers are especially effective at preventing the weed’s spread.
By following these steps, you can successfully eliminate and prevent purslane from invading your garden or lawn space.
FAQs about Purslane Removal
How do you get rid of purslane permanently?
The best way to permanently eliminate purslane from your lawn or garden is by regularly monitoring it and removing any new growth as soon as you spot it. You can also take preventive measures such as keeping soil healthy, implementing weed-preventive measures, and using chemical control as a last resort.
Does vinegar kill purslane and its seeds?
Vinegar can kill purslane, but it does not harm the weed’s seeds. Therefore, using vinegar is not the best strategy when dealing with purslane in the yard.
How do you keep purslane from spreading?
The best way to prevent purslane from spreading is to practice good cultural management techniques such as proper irrigation and mowing, controlling thatch levels, and regular fertilization. Additionally, you can use a weed barrier or practice crop rotation in your garden to further reduce the risk of infestation.
