Plant Profile
winter purslaneClaytonia perfoliata
Hardy leafy green for the cold season.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Indoor & direct sowing
winter purslane: Sowing and germination
Claytonia is not started indoors.
Direct sow from August to mid-September for winter harvest.
Planting & site
winter purslane: Planting and spacing
No transplanting needed; direct sown.
Site & practical notes
Beginner tip 1: Sow Claytonia directly in the bed from August – no need for pre-cultivation., Beginner tip 2: Harvest leaves individually as needed to keep the plant productive longer.
Temperature & frost
winter purslane: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
winter purslane: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
winter purslane: Container, support and growth
Year plan
winter purslane Calendar
The ideal winter vegetable for the garden.
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Harvest
- Harvestfrost-free: Harvest during frost-free weather.
February
Harvest
- Final harvestbefore hard frost: Bring in before hard frost.
March
Harvest
- Finish harvestPlants will soon flower and become bitter.
April
Quiet month
May
Quiet month
June
Quiet month
August
Direct sowing
- Direct sowSow for winter harvest.
September
Direct sowing
- Final direct sowbefore mid-September: Sow until mid-September.
October
Harvest
- Start harvestOnce leaves are large enough.
November
Harvest
- HarvestYoung leaves are most tender.
December
Harvest
- Harvest in mild wintermild winter: Continue if weather is mild.
Flowering & pollination
winter purslane Flowering & pollination
Self-fertility
selbstfruchtbar
Pollinator needed
yes
Overview
Claytonia is primarily pollinated by bees and other insects. The plant is self-fertile, but cross-pollination improves seed set.
Notes
Insects such as honeybees and bumblebees visit the flowers. In closed cultivation (e.g., polytunnel), hand pollination may be necessary.
Companion guide
winter purslane Companion guide
Use & storage
winter purslane Use & storage
Harvest from October to March, depending on weather.
Storage
Short-term storage
Storage life
3–5 days in refrigerator
Harvest
Harvest from October to March, depending on weather.
Processing
After harvest
Store harvested leaves immediately in a cool place, protect from direct sunlight. Wash only just before use.
Notes
Do not freeze, as leaves become mushy after thawing.
Edibility & safety
winter purslane Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Claytonia is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. In large quantities, oxalic acid may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogLeaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
excessive consumption, sensitivity to oxalic acid
gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
observe
Winter purslane is safe for dogs in moderation. Leaves and stems can be occasionally fed as a treat. Due to its oxalic acid content, feeding should be limited to avoid possible gastrointestinal irritation. Flower stems and seeds of older plants should be avoided as they may be bitter and are not recommended. If signs of gastrointestinal upset occur after ingestion, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Open animal page
CatLeaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals
observe
Winter purslane is non-toxic for cats and can be given in moderation as supplemental feed. Leaves and stems are edible and nutrient-rich. Overconsumption may cause mild irritation from oxalic acid.
Open animal page
RabbitLeaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata) is safe for rabbits and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and stems are edible and well-tolerated by rabbits. As with all fresh forage plants, a gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Open animal page
Guinea pigLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
overconsumption, sensitive animals
gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption
observe
Winter purslane is safe for guinea pigs in moderation. Leaves and stems can be fed as an occasional treat. Flower stems and seeds of older plants should be avoided due to possible bitterness and oxalic acid. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Feed only young, tender plant parts and wash thoroughly before feeding.
Open animal page
HamsterLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds
Excessive consumption, Consumption of seeds or older flower stems
Gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption
observe
Winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata) is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as an occasional treat. Leaves and stems are edible and nutritious, but all parts contain oxalic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed excessively. Seeds and bitter flower stems of older plants should be avoided. No hamster-specific toxicity data available, but conservative classification based on human edibility…
Open animal page
BudgieLeaves, Stems
Seeds
Leaves, Stems
Seeds
excessive consumption, seed ingestion
gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
observe
Leaves and stems are safe for budgies in moderation. Seeds should be avoided due to potential oxalic acid concentration. Excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds
Excessive consumption, Consumption of seeds or bitter flower stems of older plants
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive intake
observe
Winter purslane is safe for horses in moderation, with leaves and stems being edible. Seeds and older flower stems may be problematic due to oxalic acid and bitterness. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal upset. If symptoms occur, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Open animal page
ChickenLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
High oxalic acid content in older plants, Consumption of seeds or bitter flower stems
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
observe
Winter purslane is suitable for chickens in small amounts as supplemental feed. Leaves and stems are safe, while seeds and older flower stems should be avoided due to potential bitterness and oxalic acid. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal page
DuckLeaves, Stems
Seeds
Leaves, Stems
Seeds
excessive consumption, consumption of seeds
gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
observe
Leaves and stems are safe and nutritious for ducks in moderation. Seeds contain higher concentrations of oxalic acid and should be avoided. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal page
GooseLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
High oxalic acid content in seeds and older flower stems, Overfeeding
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
observe
Leaves and stems of winter purslane are safe for geese in moderation and can be fed as a treat. Seeds and bitter flower stems of older plants should be avoided due to oxalic acid content. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.
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SheepLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
excessive consumption, consumption of seeds or bitter flower stems of older plants
gastrointestinal upset with excessive intake
GoatLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
excessive consumption, consumption of seeds or bitter flower stems of older plants
gastrointestinal upset with excessive intake
observe
No direct species-specific source was found for goats. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
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CattleLeaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
Leaves, Stems
Flower stems (may be bitter) on older plants, Seeds (not recommended)
excessive consumption, consumption of seeds or bitter flower stems of older plants
gastrointestinal upset with excessive intake
observe
No direct species-specific source was found for cattle. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
PigLeaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Stems
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Winter purslane is suitable for pigs as part of their diet. Leaves and stems are edible. The oxalic acid content is generally low and poses no risk with moderate consumption. Excessive consumption or sensitive animals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
moderation only
Urgency
observe
Saving seed
winter purslane Saving seed
Seed viability
2 - 3 years
Method
Cut seed heads and let them dry in a paper bag. Thresh and separate from chaff.
Practical tips
winter purslane Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Sowing too late – leaf growth before frost is insufficient.
Success pattern
Dense sowing from August, consistent moisture, mild winters.
High-impact tips
Use Claytonia as an underplanting between winter cabbage.
Grower observations
Claytonia germinates reliably even in cool temperatures.
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
Diagnosis help
winter purslane Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Aphids (rare)
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Claytonia is very robust. Problems occur almost only with waterlogging or extreme drought.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
First response
Diagnostic rules
Yellow leaves
Possible causes: Waterlogging, Nährstoffmangel (selten)
- Check soil moisture
- Check drainage
FAQ
When do you sow Claytonia?
Direct sow from August to mid-September.
Is Claytonia frost hardy?
Yes, it tolerates frost down to about -10 °C.
Can you grow Claytonia in a container?
Yes, shallow trays or window boxes work well.
Is winter purslane safe for Dog?
winter purslane is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Winter purslane is safe for dogs in moderation. Leaves and stems can be occasionally fed as a treat. Due to its oxalic acid content, feeding should be limited to avoid possible gastrointestinal irritation. Flower stems and seeds of older plants should be avoided as they may be bitter and are not recommended. If signs of gastrointestinal upset occur after ingestion, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Is winter purslane safe for Cat?
winter purslane is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Winter purslane is non-toxic for cats and can be given in moderation as supplemental feed. Leaves and stems are edible and nutrient-rich. Overconsumption may cause mild irritation from oxalic acid.
Is winter purslane safe for Rabbit?
winter purslane is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata) is safe for rabbits and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves and stems are edible and well-tolerated by rabbits. As with all fresh forage plants, a gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Is winter purslane safe for Guinea pig?
winter purslane is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Winter purslane is safe for guinea pigs in moderation. Leaves and stems can be fed as an occasional treat. Flower stems and seeds of older plants should be avoided due to possible bitterness and oxalic acid. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Feed only young, tender plant parts and wash thoroughly before feeding.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Horse Pastures and Garden Plants: Safety Checks
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Toxic Garden Plants for Cats: Safer Planning
Learn which garden plants can be risky for cats, how to plan safer beds, and what to do if a cat eats a toxic plant.
Internal links
Related plants
Leafy salads
Used like salad.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-15
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-15
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Tellerkräuter
Wikipedia · 2026-05-15
- English Wikipedia: Claytonia
Wikipedia · 2026-05-15