Home Weed ID Publications Dictionary Links FAQs Login About us		Plant Description: Name: spotted spurge Scientific Name: Euphorbia maculata Family: Euphorbiaceae Type: Broadleaf Lifecycle: Summer Annual Habit: Spotted spurge is a summer annual that spreads by seeds and germinates throughout the summer. The plants reach a height of up to 30 inches, though it is most often a low growing weed, which forms dense mats. It flowers from mid-summer until fall. It is found throughout the southeastern United States, and has been introduced to the western United States. Leaves: The leaves of spotted spurge are opposite in arrangement. They are ovate or oblong, and may be very finely toothed. They have a distinguishable red splotch midway down the leaf, on the center vein. The reach a length of up to 1.5 inches. Leaf Arrangement: Opposite Characteristics: Spotted spurge can be distinguished by the radial mat it forms. It also emits a white sap when broken, which makes it distinguishable. Their leaves are distinguished by a dark red mark down the center vein. Flower Seed Head: The flowers of spotted spurge often go unnoticed. They are small, at about .06 inches in diameter. They are usually white or greenish, but may appear reddish. They are grouped in small, flowerlike cups in the leaf axils. Flowers appear in mid-summer and bloom until fall. Seed Fruit: The fruit of spotted spurge is about 1/16 of an inch long, and contains one seed, about 1/25 of an inch long. The fruit is often hairy in appearance. Where Found: Spotted spurge is found throughout North America. It is native to the Southeastern United States, but is now found throughout the United States. Control Options Related Plants Terms and Definitions Additional Images:
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