The โgold mine in the gardenโ wording is usually referring to purslane (Portulaca oleracea), a succulent weed that can be valuable as an edible plant rather than something that must automatically be removed.
๐ฑ Why purslane gets this reputation
1. It’s edible
Young leaves and tender stems can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a slightly sour, lemony flavor and is used traditionally in salads, soups and cooked dishes.
2. It’s nutritionally interesting
Purslane provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant omega-3 fatty acid, along with vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals. It is also a source of antioxidants.
3. It is remarkably hardy
Purslane can tolerate heat and relatively dry conditions because its fleshy leaves and stems store water. This is one reason it can thrive where other plants struggle.
4. It can provide food for pollinators
Its small yellow flowers can attract insects, although it isn’t necessarily a major pollinator plant compared with some native flowering species.
โ ๏ธ But don’t eat an unidentified โweedโ
This is the most important part of the viral advice. Purslane has look-alikes, including certain spurges. Spurge can produce a milky/white sap and should not be confused with edible purslane.
Also avoid harvesting plants from soil that may have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Should you leave it in your garden?
That depends on you. Purslane can spread readily from seed, so gardeners who don’t want it can remove it before it flowers and sets seed. If you want to use it as an edible green, you can allow some to remain in a controlled area.
And โgold mineโ is figurative, not literalโpurslane isn’t going to produce gold or magically improve the soil.
If you upload a photo of the weed you’re seeing, I can help you determine whether it is actually purslane or one of its look-alikes.
