Help identify this weed

[Hopeful homesteader]

I'm not sure what this is, it's like a succulent and the chickens go crazy for it. I've also seen the squirrels eating it. Whatever it is I haven't seen it in my yard until now because of all the rain we've had. Since they seem to fo straight for it, I'd like to make sure it's not something that could make anyone sick and there are thousands in the yard currently. I'm in southern AZ, I saw them grow in CA when I lived there and they were quite invasive if that helps narrow it down.

 

[MaryTheChickenLover]

It's purslane. Grows all over! My chickens love it too! They are very good for your chickens and won't hurt them at all.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Purslane. Also edible to humans. One of my favorite garden volunteers.

 

[Brooks_]

It's purslane.

There's another plant/variety that looks just like it but toxic. Seeing as how the chickens eat this one, I'm sure it's purslane. The toxic one can be identified by the milky sap.

 

[Hopeful homesteader]

There's another plant/variety that looks just like it but toxic. Seeing as how the chickens eat this one, I'm sure it's purslane. The toxic one can be identified by the milky sap.

Do you know the name of that one? This one doesn't have milky sap but I'd like to look that up.

 

[BlueBaby]

My flock is eating that one in your picture.

 

[Brooks_]

Do you know the name of that one? This one doesn't have milky sap but I'd like to look that up.

I do not. I only remember that looked like purslane but milky sap = NO.

 

[Hopeful homesteader]

I do not. I only remember that looked like purslane but milky sap = NO.

Is it spurge? They look pretty similar but the leaves are thinner.

 

[Sally PB]

Purslane is one of the weeds that I don't always pull up in the garden. It's edible, though high in oxalates, which can be a problem for people with kidney stones. I think it tastes great.

The chickens like it too.

I especially like that it grows so close to the ground. It can help shade the dirt, to conserve moisture, and it won't shade out the bigger garden plants growing above it.

 

[JPenny]

Do you know the name of that one? This one doesn't have milky sap but I'd like to look that up.

Maybe they are talking about Milkweed?