Nodding Spurge Euphorbia nutans

Nodding Spurge is a weedy annual or short-lived perennial herb in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family native to the eastern US and Canada, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Venezuela.  Euphorbia is named after Euphorbus, a Greek physician who served King Juba of Numidia in 12BC. Nutans means drooping. It is found in distubed areas along roads, railroad tracks, river and stream beds, gardens and lawns.  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.

It prefers full sun and well-draining soil but adapts to a wide variety of soil conditions.  Wet soil conditions will often cause root rot.  It is propagated best by stem cuttings.  As with all euphorbias, nodding spurge exudes a milky sap from the stems and leaves that can be toxic.

This plant is best found in native gardens or meadows and lawns.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Nodding spurge has no serious insect or disease problems. Some people experience skin rashes from contact with the toxic sticky plant sap of euphorbias. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Pinkish-red stems
• Oblique leaf base

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.