How to identify Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

How to identify Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

Flowering Spurge, also known as Tramp's Spurge, Garden Spurge, Snake Milk, Wild Hippo

Flowering Spurge is a wispy herbaceous perennial with a distinct leaf arrangement; alternating along the stems and forming whorls beneath the blooms. It hosts monoecious flowers, where both male and female blossoms are found on a single individual. The flowering period extends from early summer to fall, presenting inconspicuous, unscented inflorescences. As the season progresses, the weight of the inflorescences may cause flowering Spurge to lean slightly. Seed development culminates in trifoliate capsules that liberate seeds through explosive dehiscence. The plant relies on a hardy taproot system which becomes increasingly woody as it matures.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Flowering Spurge

Whorls of leaves beneath blooms

Explosive seed dispersal via capsules

Erect, unbranched stems with inflorescences

Globoid, 3-celled fruit with unique seed-ejecting behavior

Light green, smooth stems with occasional bluish hue

Detailed Traits of Flowering Spurge

Leaf Features

The leaves of flowering Spurge are alternate along the stems, except at the apex where they form a whorl of 3 or more. They are up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) long and 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide, linear-oblong to oblong with entire margins. The tips are blunt, and the bases are sessile. Both surfaces are light gray-green to medium green and glabrous, with occasionally pubescent lower surfaces. Leaf venation is pinnate with a prominent central vein, and the foliage contains a toxic white latex.

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Flower Features

The flowers of flowering Spurge form terminal panicles up to 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and 12 inches (30.5 cm) across, exhibiting a somewhat flat-headed, airy structure. Each cyathium is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) across, featuring 5 white petaloid bracts and 5 green nectar glands. These monoecious flowers have separate male flowers with several stamens and female flowers with a tripartite style. The blooming period extends from early summer to early autumn, typically from June to September.

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Stem Features

The stems of flowering Spurge are unbranched, except at their apices where inflorescences form. Each stem is light green, cylindrical in shape (terete), and smooth (glabrous), occasionally appearing bluish (glaucous) but rarely covered with fine hairs (pubescent). The stems exhibit a consistent, sleek surface texture without nodes apart from the branching points near the top. Measuring around 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) in height, the stems provide critical structural support for the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of flowering Spurge is characterized by its 3-celled, 3-lobed capsules, which house small, ovoid-obovoid seeds. Each capsule cell contains one finely mottled seed. These globoid fruits, which develop from June to October, possess an ingenious seed dispersal mechanism; upon reaching maturity, they explosively dehisce to release their contents. The fruit's distinctive shape and seed-ejecting behavior are notable features that aid in the identification of this species.

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Flowering Spurge and Their Similar Plants

Crown of thorns vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.

Poinsettia vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Petty spurge vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is an annual plant from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is fast-growing and has become invasive in some countries because it outcompetes other species for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Petty spurge latex is mildly toxic, has nevertheless attracted the attention of researchers in the US and Germany who hope to isolate useful compounds from it.

Spotted spurge vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a low-growing summer annual that is commonly considered a weed. Spotted spurge grows in almost any open area. The stems of this species secrete a milky sap that can irritate the skin and is toxic to sheep. Spotted spurge can be controlled by digging up the plant and its roots and mulching the area to prevent regrowth. It is naturally killed by frost.

Pencil cactus vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.

Devil's-backbone vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.

Cypress spurge vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

The cypress spurge is an ornamental plant native to Europe. Because of its strong tendency to overrun the habitats of other species, this plant is classified as a noxious weed in various states, including Colorado. Although this plant attracts bees and other pollinators, some sections of it are hazardous and contain irritants.

Mottled spurge vs. Flowering Spurge: What's The Difference?

Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is a spurge species native to tropical Asia, particularly in India. Mottled spurge is commonly planted as an ornamental species in tropical regions and grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. This species is also commonly known as dragon bones and is highly toxic if consumed.

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Key Facts About Flowering Spurge

Attributes of Flowering Spurge

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 61 cm

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

15 cm

Flower Color

White

The Toxicity of Flowering Spurge

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Flowering Spurge

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

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Distribution Map of Flowering Spurge

Flowering Spurge is primarily native to temperate regions of North America. However, it has made its way beyond this native range. As an introduced species, flowering Spurge has established a presence in certain tropical areas, a testament to its adaptability in diverse ecological landscapes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Flowering Spurge How to Grow and Care for Flowering Spurge