Plant DetailShow Menu

Euphorbia nutans

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Chamaesyce nutans
Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-uh NUT-ans
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

The nodding spurge is very similar to hyssop spurge but leaves are generally larger and younger foliage is softly hairy, losing hairs with age. Preliminary research suggests that nodding spurge is generally well-controlled by most herbicides that list "spurge" as a susceptible species.

Management Guidelines for Spurges: Because spurges flower when young and have little or no seed dormancy, weed populations can increase rapidly. Remove plants when young to reduce seed production. They are time-consuming to hand weed due to the number of seedlings that form. Some species may forcefully discharge seeds. Spurges are well-controlled by most preemergence herbicides labeled for use.

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

More information on Euphorbia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#summer annual weed#stream banks#summer flowers#sap#milky sap#sandy soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#coastal plant#annual#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#summer annual weed#stream banks#summer flowers#sap#milky sap#sandy soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#coastal plant#annual#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    nutans Lag.
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Weed
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Plants flower in summer and early fall then die, after frost. Flowers are greenish-white.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Velvety
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Green leaves have red veins at the back of them. Leaves have hairs when younger.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Green leaves have red stems
  • Landscape:
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters in milky latex
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No