Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Spotted spurge

How to identify Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata)

Spotted spurge, also known as Spotted sandmat, Milk purslane

Spotted spurge is an annual herb with a low-lying, sprawling growth pattern, commonly seen in disturbed soils and urban settings. It is characterized by elongated leaves arranged oppositely along the stem, each leaf marked by a distinctive maroon or purple blemish. Upon sustaining injury, the stems reveal a milky sap. This plant establishes a robust taproot, which can reach depths of up to 2 feet (60 cm), and does not typically root at the nodes. It produces inconspicuous greenish-white flowers through the warmer months, leading to an abundant seed production capable of immediate germination.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Spotted spurge

1

Oppositely arranged elongated leaves with maroon blemish.

2

Milky sap produced by injured stems.

3

Robust taproot reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) deep.

4

Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers with subtle pink tinge.

5

Small, dark green leaves with prominent dark spot and teeth.

Spotted spurgeSpotted spurgeSpotted spurgeSpotted spurgeSpotted spurge

Detailed Traits of Spotted spurge

Leaf Features

The leaves of spotted spurge are small, dark green, and typically measure about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. They have a round to oblong shape and may exhibit a reddish-green tint. Some leaves feature a prominent dark spot on the blade, paired with small teeth along the margins. The leaves' texture is smooth, and their vein pattern is subtle but visible, adding to their distinctive appearance crucial for identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The cup-shaped flowers of spotted spurge are axillary and display distinct greenish-white petal-like appendages, often tinged with pink towards the rim. Each flower measures approximately 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter. The blossoms are intricate and subtle, contributing to their unique appearance. These flowers typically bloom during the midsummer to early fall months, showcasing their delicate hues. The structure and coloration of the flowers make them a noteworthy feature of this plant.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stems of spotted spurge are slender, hairy, and typically spread out in a mat-like formation along the ground. Each stem rarely exceeds 18 inches (45 cm) in length and displays a branching pattern that contributes to its low ground cover. The stems often turn a pale red when exposed to bright sunlight, adding a distinctive color feature. These stems are thin but sturdy, making them a key identification feature of the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of spotted spurge is a notable tiny, 3-lobed capsule that exhibits a pale brown hue upon maturity. Each capsule has an egg-shaped structure covered with fine hairs, which adds a subtle tactile texture. The size of the capsule is quite small, aligning with the fast-growing nature of the plant. Notably, the seeds inside the capsule are adapted for rapid growth and germination, having minimal to no dormancy period. They display hydrophilic properties, allowing them to readily absorb water. The seeds' ability to stick to various surfaces when wet is a distinctive feature that aids in their distribution.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Spotted spurge and Their Similar Plants

Img topic
Crown of thorns vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Poinsettia vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Petty spurge vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Pencil cactus vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Devil's-backbone vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Cypress spurge vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Mottled spurge vs. Spotted 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.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Caper spurge vs. Spotted spurge: What's The Difference?
Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is most commonly known as an invasive weed. It is considered toxic to humans and almost all species of livestock. The exception to this is that some goats can eat caper spurge without becoming ill. However, the plant's toxins will be carried into the goat's milk, making it unfit for human consumption. The toxicity has been put to use, however, in deterring moles and gophers from invading gardens.
Read More
Arrow
Identify Spotted spurge easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Spotted spurge

Attributes of Spotted spurge
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm
Spread
15 cm to 45 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Red
Purple
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Green
Fruit Color
Brown
Black
Copper
Stem Color
Red
Brown
Pink
Burgundy
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Spotted spurge
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Spotted spurge

Family
Spurge
Icon allow
Genus
Spurges
Icon allow
Species
Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata)
Learn More About the Spotted spurge

Distribution Map of Spotted spurge

Spotted spurge is a plant with a native range in the subtropical regions of North America. It has since become widely naturalized, spreading to various continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. 'spotted spurge' thrives in diverse climates, establishing itself in major regions across these continents.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app