Origin:
Introduced
Life Cycle:
Annual
General Desc:
A low growing and spreading plant that forms a mat. Occasionally erect. Has a tap root. Considered to be weedy and
invasive. Identification notes: No hairs in the leaf axils and a hairy inflorescence and bluntly glandular seeds distinguishes this from other Portulaca sp. Height:
To 6 inches Habitat
Habitat Description: Appears in meadows and in clearings of Ponderosa forests. Also found in overgrazed and cultivated areas and along roadsides. Plant Communities:
Montane Conifer Forest, Disturbed Areas Elevation: 1000 - 8000 feet Flower Characteristics
Color:
Yellow
Shape:
Regular in clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Jun - Sep Description:
Flower is 1/4 inch wide with five petals. Can appear singly or in small clusters in leaf axils or at stem tips.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaf Color:
Green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Round or oval
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N Hairs:
No
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
To 1-1/2 inches wide. Can appear with reddish margins. Leaves are thick, smooth, succulent and shiny. Have a wedge-like shape with a rounded tip. Stems are up to 2 feet long. Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit Color: Black or dark brown Fruit Type: Capsule Fruit Notes: Capsules are ovoid to about 1/4 inch in size. Seed Notes: Seeds are black or dark brown, rounded to elongated and flattened.
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Yavapai County
840 Rodeo Dr #C
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 445-6590