Pillpod Spurge Euphorbia hirta

Garden spurge is an herbaceous annual plant considered to be a warm-season weed in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It originates from tropical and subtropical North America but has spread to South America, Asia and Australia. It is found in lawns, agricultural areas, roadsides and in the nursery trade. The genus name, Euphorbia, honors a Greek physician, Euphorbus. 

This pant is erect to prostrate growing 1-2 feet tall with a similar spread. It tolerates full sun to full shade. It tolerates most growing conditions including poor soils and locations such as a crack in the sidewalk. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds over the growing season. As with most euphorbias, the stems contain a milky sap that may cause contact dermatitis for some.

The tiny flowers are produced in small clusters in the leaf axils and are green to brown to pinkish in color. Leaves are green with some purple coloring. Stems are densely hairy.

Control of this plant can be done by hoeing or hand pulling. Mulch will help prevent seeds from germinating as they need light to do so. Chemical control can be done with most postemergence herbicides and systemic herbicides such as glyphosate.

It is widely used in herbal medicine and can be grown for this purpose. One could also use it as a ground cover if desired.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Euphorbia.