Little Hogweed

Little Hogweed: The Surprisingly Useful Garden Weed You Might Want to Keep

Meet little hogweed (Portulaca oleracea), a plant that’s probably growing somewhere near you right now, whether you invited it or not. This succulent little survivor goes by many names—you might know it as pigweed or akulikuli kula—and it’s one of those plants that gardeners either love or spend their weekends trying to eliminate. But before you reach for the hoe, let’s explore why this humble ground-hugger might actually deserve a spot in your garden.

What Exactly Is Little Hogweed?

Little hogweed is an annual forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that completes its life cycle in one year. This low-growing succulent forms spreading mats of thick, paddle-shaped leaves that store water like tiny green reservoirs. Despite its humble appearance, this plant is actually quite the world traveler—it’s found across virtually every state and province in North America, from Alberta to Alabama, and from British Columbia to the Virgin Islands.

Native Status and Where It Grows

Here’s where things get interesting: little hogweed isn’t actually native to North America. It’s what botanists call a naturalized plant—meaning it was introduced from elsewhere (likely North Africa or the Middle East) but has made itself quite at home here. In fact, it’s so well-established that it reproduces on its own and persists without any human help in places like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

You can find this adaptable plant growing from sea level to mountain elevations across the entire continent. It’s truly a coast-to-coast success story, thriving in everything from urban sidewalk cracks to rural garden beds.

Why You Might Want Little Hogweed in Your Garden

Before you dismiss little hogweed as just another weed, consider these surprising benefits:

• It’s completely edible: The young leaves have a tangy, slightly sour taste that’s perfect in salads or cooked like spinach
• Drought champion: Those succulent leaves mean it thrives with minimal water—perfect for water-wise gardening
• Ground cover extraordinaire: It forms dense mats that can suppress other weeds while looking surprisingly tidy
• Wildlife value: Large animals get 5-10% of their diet from this nutritious plant
• No-fuss growing: It practically grows itself and tolerates poor soil conditions

Garden Design and Landscape Uses

Little hogweed might not win any beauty contests, but it has its place in thoughtful garden design. Consider it for:

• Xeriscaping projects: Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-conservation landscapes
• Rock gardens: It thrives in the well-draining conditions rock gardens provide
• Edible landscaping: Combine function and form in kitchen gardens
• Container gardens: Its spreading habit works well in wide, shallow pots
• Problem areas: Use it to cover spots where grass won’t grow

Growing Conditions and Care

One of little hogweed’s greatest charms is how easy it is to grow. Here’s what it needs to thrive:

Sunlight: Full sun is best, though it tolerates some light shade

Soil: Almost any soil will do—it actually prefers poor, sandy, or rocky soils over rich garden beds

Water: Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant. In fact, overwatering can cause problems

Hardiness: As an annual, it grows in USDA zones 2-11, meaning it can handle both scorching summers and cool spring weather

Wetland tolerance: Depending on your region, it can handle both wet and dry conditions, though it generally prefers well-draining sites

Planting and Care Tips

Growing little hogweed successfully is refreshingly simple:

• Start from seed: Direct sow in spring after the last frost, or let existing plants self-seed
• Keep it contained: If you don’t want it spreading, grow it in containers or designated areas
• Harvest regularly: Pick young leaves frequently to keep plants productive and prevent excessive seeding
• Watch for spread: It can self-seed aggressively, so deadhead flowers if you want to control its spread
• Minimal fertilizer: Rich soil can actually make it grow too lush and reduce its drought tolerance

Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits

While little hogweed won’t turn your garden into a butterfly paradise, it does provide some ecological value. Its small yellow flowers attract tiny beneficial insects, and as mentioned, it provides a food source for various wildlife species. The seeds are also eaten by birds, adding another layer of garden ecosystem support.

The Bottom Line

Little hogweed might not be native, but it’s not invasive either—it’s simply a useful plant that’s found its niche. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, edible ground cover that thrives on neglect, this might be your plant. However, if supporting native ecosystems is your priority, consider native alternatives like native sedums or indigenous ground covers specific to your region.

Whether you decide to welcome little hogweed into your garden or politely show it the gate, at least now you know you’re dealing with a plant that’s been feeding people and surviving in tough conditions for thousands of years. That’s worthy of at least a little respect, don’t you think?