What Purslane looks like
Low-growing succulent with thick, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves and reddish stems. Small yellow flowers. Thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Hand-pull or dig
Purslane pulls out very easily due to shallow roots. But you MUST bag and dispose of pulled plants — stems left on moist soil will re-root and grow. Actually edible and nutritious if you want to eat it instead!
Tools that make pulling Purslane easier
Purslane grows back unless you get the whole root — these pull it out cleanly, root and all, no chemicals needed.
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Fiskars Stand-Up Weed Puller
Beginner friendlyRemoving taprooted weeds root-and-all — dandelion, plantain, thistle, dock — without bending, kneeling, or chemicals
Grampa's Weeder Original Stand Up Weed Puller
Beginner friendlyPulling dandelions, plantain, thistle and other taprooted lawn weeds root-and-all — no bending, kneeling, or chemicals
Nisaku NJP650 Hori Hori Weeding Knife
Beginner friendlyDigging out the weeds a claw puller can't grab — creeping rosettes, clumps, and roots that regrow from any fragment left behind
When to treat Purslane
Spray in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the weed is actively growing. Avoid summer heat — stressed grass takes collateral damage.
Non-chemical management
Hand-pull before it flowers — but remove pulled plants from the area, as stems can re-root on moist soil.
How to stop Purslane coming back
Mulch flower beds heavily (3-4 inches). Purslane needs bare soil and sun to germinate.
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Measure my lawn — it's free →FAQ
What does Purslane look like?
Low-growing succulent with thick, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves and reddish stems. Small yellow flowers. Thrives in hot, dry conditions.
What's the best way to kill Purslane?
Hand-pull or dig. Purslane pulls out very easily due to shallow roots. But you MUST bag and dispose of pulled plants — stems left on moist soil will re-root and grow. Actually edible and nutritious if you want to eat it instead!
Is Purslane hard to get rid of?
Purslane is rated easy to control. Most homeowners can handle it in one or two treatments.
How do I stop Purslane coming back?
Mulch flower beds heavily (3-4 inches). Purslane needs bare soil and sun to germinate.
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