Which purslane is not edible? A guide to avoiding toxic lookalikes

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

While common purslane ($Portulaca oleracea$) is a highly nutritious and edible plant, its dangerous lookalikes, particularly in the spurge family ($Euphorbia$), are toxic. Learning which purslane is not edible and how to identify these imposters correctly is critical for any forager or gardener.

Quick Summary

Identify the key differences between edible purslane and its toxic lookalikes, such as spurge, by checking for milky white sap and other distinct plant features before foraging.

Key Points

Milky vs. Clear Sap: The most critical test—toxic spurge produces a milky white sap when broken, while edible purslane has clear sap.
Succulent vs. Flat Leaves: Edible purslane has thick, fleshy leaves, whereas toxic spurge's leaves are thin and flat, often with serrated edges.
Hairy vs. Smooth Stems: Spurge typically has thin, hairy stems, in contrast to the thick, smooth stems of common purslane.
Growth Habit: While both grow low, spurge often forms a more perfect circular mat with opposite leaves, while purslane has more prominent, clustered leaves.
Oxalates in Edible Purslane: Despite being safe for humans, edible purslane contains oxalates that can be harmful to pets and people with kidney issues.

Identifying Edible Purslane vs. Toxic Lookalikes

When foraging, the first rule is to never eat a plant you cannot positively identify. Common purslane is a succulent weed prized for its omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, but its frequent companion, spurge, is poisonous. While they can grow side-by-side and share reddish stems, several key differences can help you distinguish between them and confidently determine which purslane is not edible.

The All-Important Sap Test

This is the most reliable method for telling common purslane apart from its toxic lookalike, spurge.

Purslane: Break a stem or leaf. It will exude a clear, watery sap. You may need to squeeze it gently to see the moisture, but it will never be milky.
Spurge: Break a stem. A milky white, latex-like sap will ooze out immediately. This sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation.

Leaf Characteristics

Beyond the sap, the leaves offer clear distinctions:

Purslane: The leaves are fleshy, succulent, and smooth. They are club-shaped and have a light green color. On the stem, they typically grow in clusters or whorls at the joints.
Spurge: The leaves are paper-thin, flat, and often have serrated edges. Spotted spurge, a particularly common variety, also has a distinct purplish-maroon spot in the center of each leaf. Spurge leaves grow in opposite pairs on the stem.

Stem and Growth Habit

The overall appearance of the plant can also provide clues to its identity.

Purslane: Stems are thick, fleshy, and smooth. They are often reddish or maroon, especially in full sun, and can grow up to 3 feet in diameter, spreading low across the ground.
Spurge: Stems are thin, tough, and often covered in fine hairs. While they can also be reddish, their thinness and hairiness are tell-tale signs. They typically grow low and radiate out in a circular mat.

Flower Distinctions

If the plant is in flower, this can be another helpful identifier.

Purslane: Produces small, yellow, five-petaled flowers that only open in direct sunlight for a few hours around midday.
Spurge: Has smaller, inconspicuous flowers that can be white to pinkish.

Potential Lookalikes: A Comparison Table

To aid in your identification, here is a quick-reference table summarizing the main differences between edible common purslane and toxic spurge.


Feature	Common Purslane ($Portulaca oleracea$)	Toxic Spurge ($Euphorbia$ spp.)
Sap	Clear, watery, not milky	Milky white, latex-like, and toxic
Leaves	Fleshy, succulent, and smooth; clustered at stem joints	Thin, flat, often with serrated edges; grow in opposite pairs
Stems	Thick, fleshy, and smooth; often reddish or maroon	Thin, tough, and often hairy; also can be reddish
Growth Habit	Sprawling, succulent mats with stems often growing in a radial pattern	Radiates out from a central taproot, forming a flat, low-growing mat
Flowers	Small, yellow, 5-petaled; open in sun	Tiny, inconspicuous, white to pinkish flowers

Important Considerations Beyond Lookalikes

While spurge is the most common toxic imposter, other non-edible plants like Moss Rose ($Portulaca grandiflora$) and Wingpod Purslane ($Portulaca umbraticola$) exist within the same family. It is also important to note that while common purslane is safe for humans, it contains soluble calcium oxalates and is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and livestock. Those prone to kidney stones should also be mindful of their intake.

If you have any doubt about a plant's identity, do not consume it. Consulting a foraging expert or a local cooperative extension office can provide additional confirmation. For further reading on the nutritional benefits and uses of edible purslane, visit Healthline's detailed article: Purslane: A Tasty "Weed" That is Loaded With Nutrients.

Conclusion: Practice Safe Foraging

Determining which purslane is not edible is a matter of careful observation and caution. By performing the simple sap test and examining the leaves and stems, you can safely distinguish the nutritious common purslane from its toxic lookalikes. Always prioritize safety over assumption when foraging in the wild to enjoy the benefits of this unique and healthy weed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most definitive test is the 'sap test'. Break a stem of the plant. If it exudes a clear, watery sap, it is edible purslane. If a milky white, latex-like substance appears, it is toxic spurge.

No, not all species in the purslane family ($Portulaca$) are considered edible or palatable. While common purslane ($Portulaca oleracea$) is widely consumed, ornamental species like Moss Rose ($Portulaca grandiflora$) are not typically eaten.

Yes, even small amounts of spurge can be harmful. The milky sap is an irritant that can cause rashes on the skin and lead to more serious symptoms like nausea and vomiting if ingested.

No, common purslane is not safe for pets. It contains soluble calcium oxalates which are toxic to animals like dogs, cats, and livestock and can cause severe illness or even death.

While generally safe for human consumption, common purslane contains high levels of oxalates, similar to spinach. People with a history of kidney stones should consume it in moderation or avoid it.

The milky white sap is a consistent characteristic of spurge species. However, on very thin stems or young plants, it can be less obvious. It is crucial to rely on a combination of identification features, not just one, to be certain.

If you touch the milky sap and develop a rash, wash the area thoroughly. If you or someone you know ingests spurge, contact a poison control center or seek medical attention immediately.