How to identify Snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata)

How to identify Snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata)

Snow-on-the-mountain, also known as Mountain snow, Ghost weed, Whitemargined spurge, Smoke-on-the-prairie

Snow-on-the-mountain is an annual forb distinguishable for its oval green leaves with striking white margins, creating a 'frosted' appearance likened to snow cover. It stands erect reaching heights of up to 3 feet (90 cm). This species exhibits clusters of small, inconspicuous green flowers surrounded by showy bracts, which mistakenly appear as the true flowers. These bracts are prominent later in the season, accentuating the visual contrast with the foliage.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Snow-on-the-mountain

Oval green leaves with striking white margins resemble snow-covered foliage.

Clusters of inconspicuous green flowers surrounded by showy white bracts.

Distinctive three-parted capsule transitioning from green to dark gray upon maturity.

Leaves are oblong with pointed tips, white margins, and stemless.

Stems produce milky latex sap, covered in fine hairs, and flexible with sparse branching.

Detailed Traits of Snow-on-the-mountain

Leaf Features

The leaves of snow-on-the-mountain are green with distinctive white margins, measuring up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) long and 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide. They exhibit an oblong to elliptical shape with a pointed tip, entire margins, and are stemless. These leaves are positioned alternately along the stem but may appear whorled near the upper flowering branches. Their contrasting colors and shape make them easily identifiable.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Margin

Entire ,

Undulate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of snow-on-the-mountain are small, clustered in structures called cyathia. They feature broad, white margins on leafy bracts. Each cluster has numerous tiny male flowers encircling a single central female flower. The overall inflorescence spans about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, with a distinctive bright white and green appearance. These flowers typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall, emitting no notable scent but serving as visually striking elements in garden landscapes.

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Stem Features

The stems of snow-on-the-mountain are green and covered with fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. They produce a distinctive milky latex sap when cut or damaged. The stems are generally slender, measuring approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter. They exhibit a branching pattern that tends to be sparse but well-defined. These stems are firm yet flexible, and their green color may lighten towards the tips as they mature.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of snow-on-the-mountain is a notably three-parted capsule with a rounded to egg-shaped structure, initially presenting a vibrant green hue that transitions to a dark gray upon maturity. Each segment houses a single ridged seed, notable for its well-defined texture. The seeds within are encapsulated securely until they reach maturity. The dimensions and color changes of this capsule are significant characteristics that aid in the recognition of snow-on-the-mountain's fruit.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Snow-on-the-mountain and Their Similar Plants

Crown of thorns vs. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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. Snow-on-the-mountain: 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 Snow-on-the-mountain

Attributes of Snow-on-the-mountain

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

60 cm to 80 cm

Spread

20 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

White

Variegated

Flower Color

White

Green

Yellow

Fruit Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

White

Yellow

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Snow-on-the-mountain

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Snow-on-the-mountain

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata)

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Distribution Map of Snow-on-the-mountain

Snow-on-the-mountain, native to regions in North America, is widely introduced across various continents such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Beyond its natural range, this plant thrives in temperate to subtropical climates and is also cultivated in numerous areas for ornamental purposes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Snow-on-the-mountain

A Comprehensive Guide to Snow-on-the-mountain How to Grow and Care for Snow-on-the-mountain