Confirming a weed is edible - Ask Extension
Hello. We have been testing out purslane in our garden harvest this summer. Our neighbors are paranoid that we are eating spurge, which I’m (quite c...
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Confirming a weed is edible #942567
Asked August 16, 2026, 3:22 PM EDT
Hello. We have been testing out purslane in our garden harvest this summer. Our neighbors are paranoid that we are eating spurge, which I’m (quite certain we are not). However, we do want to confirm because we are growing a pretty good harvest of it and want to know this plant reaches a level of maturity that isn’t edible or if there’s any precautions we should be taking.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Wendy,
Spurge and purslane look quite different, but the easiest way to identify spurge is that all plant parts exude a milky white sap when any of the plant is broken.
Purslane tends to be more succulent with thicker stems and leaves.
Spurge and purslane look quite different, but the easiest way to identify spurge is that all plant parts exude a milky white sap when any of the plant is broken.
Purslane tends to be more succulent with thicker stems and leaves.
Thanks. I definitely know I have been cooking with purslane and not spurge. Is there any part of purslane that's not as flavorful or is it not advisable to to eat when its larger and flowering?
Hi Wendy,
I can't consult on the edibility of plants - apologies! I'm sure there are online sources that can help answer your question.
I can't consult on the edibility of plants - apologies! I'm sure there are online sources that can help answer your question.
