Euphorbia peplus

Petty Spurge is a herbaceous annual growing from 2 to 8 inches tall and is often considered a weed. It is small, branched, upright plant with pale green foliage and stems. It resembles leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), but differs in that it is smaller in stature and does not spread by underground runners. It is native to most of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia and is widely distributed in North America and South America. It can typically be found on gardens, and other disturbed areas. Outside of its native range, it is widely naturalized and often invasive. It is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). 

This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils of loam, clay, or sand. It will thrive in full sun to partial shade. It flowers most of the year and will spread in most disturbed sites. It is drought resistant and is propagated by seedlings. No specific data are available on seed dormancy and germination but plants are prolific seed producers and emerge beginning in the cool weather of fall and continue through late spring. 

Petty spurge has erect branching stems, simple and oval-shaped leaves that measure up to 1-inch long, and has pale green flowers with triangular bracts. These distinctive bracts or modified leaves are below the small flowers.

This plant is a very common weed and can be found in landscaped yards, flowerbeds, farm lands, and disturbed areas. 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or other problems.

The milky sap is a skin irritant and protective gloves should be worn when handling this plant. Keep out of reach of small children and pets.

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

More information on Euphorbia.