CHISME, Moss Rose, Shaggy Portulaca

Portulaca pilosa - Portulacaceae, Purslane Family

DESCRIPTION: Prostrate, succulent ground cover, small, linear, branching from a taproot, forming a flat, circular mass 

Height: From 2 to 4 inches 

Flowers: Showy, tiny purplish-lilac colored. Spring to fall

Fruit: Small, inconspicuous capsule

Foliage: Evergreen, often crowded, 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide, with wooly hairs at leaf base. 

Growth rate: Moderate

REQUIREMENTS:

Sun: Full sun, to partial shade

Soil: Any

Drainage: Good to moderate

Water: Little

Maintenance: Little needed

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

NATIVE HABITAT: Widespread in various soils.

WILDLIFE USE: White-tailed deer, javelinas, and feral pigs eat the leaves. Scaled quail eat seeds and leaves. Nectar for small butterflies.

COMMENTS: Will do well in extremely dry and rocky areas. Not overly aggressive. Tolerates heavy foot traffic.