How to identify Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta)

How to identify Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta)

Asthma-plant, also known as Asthma Herb, Dove Milk, Pillpod Sandmat , Snakeweed, Ara tanan, Garden spurge

Asthma-plant is characterized by its sprawling growth, reaching approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in height. Its stems are typically hairy with abundant branching. The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and have a serrated margin, growing up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) long. Small, inconspicuous flowers cluster at leaf axils, with distinct petal-like structures that can be white or pinkish. Notably, this plant secretes a white, milky sap when broken.

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Asthma-plant

Sprawling growth up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height

Opposite, oval-shaped leaves with serrated margins

Tiny, light pink flowers in ball-shaped clusters without petals

Hairy, yellow capsules with abundant seeds

Purplish-red stems covered in long white hairs and milky sap

Detailed Traits of Asthma-plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of asthma-plant are oblong to lanceolate, ranging from 1/2 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) in length. They feature a pointed tip and toothed margins, often displaying green coloration with purplish tints along the edges. In nutrient-poor soils, the leaves may turn red. The texture is relatively smooth, and the leaves are typically paired. A notable characteristic is the presence of occasional purple spots on the green leaves.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Asthma-plant flowers are tiny, light pink, and lack petals, occurring in ball-shaped clusters called cyathia. Each cluster is composed of one female flower surrounded by four male flowers, all without petals but encased in four round bracts resembling petals. The clusters appear as round, button-like structures of about 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter. They are found between leaf pairs, mainly in leaf axils. These inflorescences are key identifiers for the plant.

Inflorescence Type

Capitulum/Head

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Stem Features

The stems of asthma-plant are purplish-red and densely covered with long, white hairs. They have a round shape and are filled with a milky white latex or sap. The stems are moderately thick, about 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) in diameter, and possess a notable branching pattern. This hairy and sappy texture, along with the distinctive purplish-red coloration, are key features crucial for identifying this plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of asthma-plant is a hairy, yellow capsule that carries a remarkable abundance of seeds. Each fruit, upon maturity, can yield up to 3000 oblong, four-sided seeds. These seeds are minute in size and are contained within dry, dehiscent capsules which split open to release them. This characteristic dispersal mechanism ensures widespread seed distribution, facilitating the propagation of asthma-plant. The unique texture and color of the fruit are notable features that aid in its identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Asthma-plant and Their Similar Plants

Crown of thorns vs. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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. Asthma-plant: 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 Asthma-plant

Attributes of Asthma-plant

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

White

Yellow

Red

Burgundy

Fruit Color

Yellow

Gold

Stem Color

Red

Purple

Burgundy

Lavender

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Asthma-plant

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Asthma-plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta)

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Distribution Map of Asthma-plant

Asthma-plant, a well-adapted species, enjoys a broad distribution spanning multiple regions. Native to Central and South America, asthma-plant has been introduced across various continents, including Asia, Africa, Oceania, and sporadically in North America. In its introduced range, asthma-plant is sometimes thought to be of concern, particularly in certain areas of Africa where its proliferation may have an impact on local ecosystems. Despite this, asthma-plant is not typically cultivated, and its ecological influence remains a subject of observation rather than alarm.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Asthma-plant

A Comprehensive Guide to Asthma-plant How to Grow and Care for Asthma-plant