Euphorbia maculata
Euphorbia maculata
| Spotted spurge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Binomial: | Euphorbia maculata |
| Type: | Annual |
| Conditions: | Sun, no wet soils |
| Seed Dispersal: | Shatters |
| Vegetative Spread: | Prostrate, spreading |
Euphorbia maculata, variously called Spotted spurge or Prostrate spurge, is an annual plant in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to North America. It grows in sunny locations and a variety of soils, and frequently found as a weed of gardens and lawns, and can also grow well in the cracks of hardscapes or walls.
Description
[edit | edit source]Euphorbia maculata is a low-growing, spreading, annual plant with reddish stems. The leaves are bluish-green on the margins, and red along the midribs. The flowers are tiny, and are produced within a few weeks of germination, quickly followed by the small seeds.
Ecology
[edit | edit source]Uses
[edit | edit source]Control
[edit | edit source]Early action is crucial with this weed because of the short period between germination and the setting of seeds. The seeds will germinate in wood and stone mulches as well.
- Mowing: Ineffective due to the low height.
- Cultivation: Effective, especially for young plants.
- Pulling: Plants pull easily, as they do not root at the node. They should always be put immediately into a container to prevent seed dispersal.
- Flame: Very effective, and has the added benefit of killing the seeds.
- Disposal: This plant should only be composted in hot piles, due the copious seeds.
