Water Purslane (Lythrum portula)

Family: Lythraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Lythrum portula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. — Leaves - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Muddy margins of pools and puddles, but not in calcareous soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)