How to identify Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus)

How to identify Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus)

Petty spurge, also known as Cancer weed

Petty spurge is an herbaceous annual that stands about a foot (30 cm) tall. It is characterized by its small size, branching habit, and upright growth. The foliage and stems exhibit a pale green color, providing a subtle distinction from the related leafy spurge. Unlike its relative, petty spurge does not spread via underground runners. It adapts well to moist and shady environments, and can thrive in various disturbed areas. With a propensity to flower throughout the year, this plant is easily recognized by its enduring presence.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Petty spurge

Tiny yellowish-green flowers in three-rayed umbels from June to September.

Smooth red-to-green gradient stem with thin branching habit.

Diminutive spherical fruit with three-lobed appearance, containing textured seeds.

Oval to rounded pale green leaves, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.

Adaptable herbaceous annual, growing upright to about a foot (30 cm) tall.

Detailed Traits of Petty spurge

Leaf Features

The leaves of petty spurge are distinctly oval to rounded or obovate, measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. They exhibit a soft, thin texture and a pale green coloring. The leaves have smooth margins and change their arrangement from being alternate at the base to opposite further up the stem. These features, including their size, shape, and pale green hue, are key identifiers of this plant.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of petty spurge are small, yellowish-green in color, and form in three-rayed umbels. They are held in leafy bunches and bloom from June to September. Each bloom is tiny and lacks prominent petals, giving a somewhat indistinct appearance. Despite their size, these flowers play a crucial role in the plant's reproductive cycle. While they do not have a noticeable scent, their unique arrangement and subtle color make them recognizable.

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Stem Features

The stem of petty spurge is smooth and hairless, exhibiting a unique color gradient from the base to the top. It starts with a distinct red hue at the bottom, transitioning to a green shade toward the top. The stems are relatively thin, typically reaching up to 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in thickness. They branch out readily, forming a mildly bushy appearance. These features, including the smooth texture and color variation, are crucial for identifying the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of petty spurge is a diminutive capsule, approximately spherical in shape, usually under 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. Its surface bears a three-lobed appearance, which houses minuscule black to dark brown seeds. These seeds have a distinct texture, with each featuring 3 to 4 pits on one side, which are palpable upon close examination. The fruit matures to eject these seeds, aiding in the proliferation of petty spurge. The overall visual and tactile qualities of the fruit are essential for recognition and differentiation from similar species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Petty spurge and Their Similar Plants

Crown of thorns vs. Petty 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. Petty 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.

Spotted spurge vs. Petty 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. Petty 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. Petty 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. Petty 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. Petty 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.

Caper spurge vs. Petty 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.

Identify Petty spurge easily and quickly

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Key Facts About Petty spurge

Attributes of Petty spurge

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

5 cm to 30 cm

Spread

25 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Silver

Gray

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Yellow

Fruit Color

Brown

Black

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Red

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Petty spurge

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Petty spurge

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus)

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Distribution Map of Petty spurge

The petty spurge has been widely distributed across the world where it is native to the regions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It has since been introduced to the Americas, Asia, and Siberia. However, the petty spurge is considered invasive in Alaska. Its native habitat includes shrublands and riverine bushland. Some gardeners prize it for its ability to grown in areas where other plants will not thrive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Petty spurge

A Comprehensive Guide to Petty spurge How to Grow and Care for Petty spurge