Little hogweed
Portulaca retusa
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
Portulaca retusa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Rocky glades, sands etc. The plants often grow in large patches a metre or more in diameter.
Eastern N. America - Missouri to Arkansas and Texas, west to Nevada.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. Seed - raw or cooked. Ground into a powder and used as a mush.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though we feel it should be possible to grow it either as a hardy or a half-hardy annual. According to the Flora of N. America, this species is no more than a synonym of P. oleracea. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rather dry poor soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist