Which warm-season annual has fleshy or succulent leaves and stems, prostrate growth, stems that root where touching ground, and small yellow flowers?

• A. Purslane, Common
• B. Nimblewill
• C. Nutsedge, Yellow
• D. Quackgrass

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing a warm-season annual weed by its fleshy, succulent leaves and stems, a prostrate growing habit that creeps along the ground and roots where the stems touch soil, and its small yellow flowers. That combination points to purslane. Purslane forms low, spreading mats in sunny lawns, and its smooth, juicy stems readily root at the nodes that contact the soil, which is why it can rapidly cover bare spots. The flowers are small and yellow, helping you confirm the ID when you spot a mat of succulent leaves.

Nimblewill is a creeping grass, but it’s a perennial and lacks the distinctive succulent stems and the small yellow flowers typical of purslane. Nutsedge has a wedge-shaped, triangular stem and a different inflorescence; it’s a perennial sedge, not a fleshy-stemded annual with yellow blooms. Quackgrass is a cool-season perennial grass with extensive rhizomes and non-succulent leaves, not matching the purslane characteristics.

So, the plant described is purslane.