Prostrate sandmat - Euphorbia prostrata (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Prostrate sandmat

Also known as: Red caustic creeper

Prostrate sandmat (Euphorbia prostrata) is a plant species native to tropical regions of North and South America and the central United States. Prostrate sandmat has spread all over the globe and is considered an invasive species. This resilient plant often sprouts up through cracks in asphalt on roadsides.

Scientific classification

Species

Prostrate sandmat (Euphorbia prostrata)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late spring, Fall

Harvest Time

7 cm to 9 cm

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

Red, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Prostrate sandmat

Distribution of Prostrate sandmat

Distribution Map

Prostrate sandmat is native to most parts of Eurasia, North Africa and South America. It was introduced to other parts of Eurasia, as well as Africa and Australia. Prostrate sandmat inhabits disturbed areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Disturbed soils, prairies, pastures, fields, alluvial deposits, roadsides, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Purity, protection and wisdom

Name Story

Prostrate sandmat: It is commonly grown near cultivated fields or on wide trails, dry, sandy and rocky places where other plants can't usually survive. Since it has the habit of growing in a prostrate position on the floor, it is commonly called prostrate sandmat.

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Toxicity

Prostrate sandmat can cause contact dermatitis with its milky latex, leading to redness, swelling, and blisters on skin exposed to sunlight. All parts are toxic and ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans. Dogs and cats can be mildly poisoned through ingestion, showing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Prompt veterinary care is advised for pets.

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Weed Control

Prostrate sandmat is a weed in the central and southern U.S. often found growing on roadsides. This plant is a prolific seeder. It is considered an invasive weed in many tropical countries. The weed can be an annoyance in the garden, spreading rapidly close to the ground and crowding out other more desirable plants. It can rapidly colonize an area with its mat-like formations and the fact that its seeds do not have a dormancy period. To control its growth and prevent its extensive spreading, hand pull the entire plant when young, making sure to get the root system, or apply a pre-emergence herbicide.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of prostrate sandmat is during spring or early summer. You'd want to target the plant before it reaches maturity or sets seed, which typically occurs as summer progresses.

Hand Pulling: One of the simplest ways to remove prostrate sandmat is by hand-pulling. Make sure to uproot the entire plant including the root system to prevent potential regrowth.
Solarization: This technique involves placing a transparent plastic sheet over the area where prostrate sandmat is growing. The heat from the sun will penetrate the plastic and cook the soil beneath, killing the weed and its seeds.
Smothering: Smother prostrate sandmat by using a thick layer of organic mulch. This should be around 4-6 inches deep, which will block sunlight, preventing photosynthesis, and leading to the death of the plant.
Planting Competing Species: Choose a competing plant that can outgrow prostrate sandmat. The selected plant should be a rapid grower and capable of shading out prostrate sandmat. As the other plant grows, it’ll steal resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, making it hard for prostrate sandmat to thrive.
Vinegar Spray: Vinegar containing at least 20% acetic acid can be used as a natural herbicide. Spray it directly on prostrate sandmat, ensuring not to damage other plants.

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Quickly Identify Prostrate sandmat

Low-growing habit with stems either flat or slightly raised off ground.

Distinctive large dark spot on rounded to oblong leaves.

Small greenish-white flowers in clusters, 1/8 inch (3 mm) diameter.

Vibrant red stem, slender and erect, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) diameter.

Prostrate growth habit with branching stem spreading along the ground.

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Care Guide for Prostrate sandmat

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Prostrate sandmat thrives in warm climates and shows moderate drought tolerance. It prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged, requiring weekly watering for optimal hydration. Mainly grown outdoors, prostrate sandmat is adept at conserving water during the growing season, surviving even in periods of scarce rainfall.

Fertilize: Prostrate sandmat requires minimal fertilizer; only apply when lower leaves turn yellow, indicating nutrient deficiency. Use half-strength liquid fertilizer in well-drained soils, where some species can thrive even in poor conditions. This approach sustains the plant for several months.

Propagation: Prostrate sandmat propagates best in Spring via sowing. The propagation process is straightforward, with success indicated by seed germination and healthy seedling emergence. Utilize well-drained soil to promote optimal growth.

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Images of Prostrate sandmat

Distribution of Prostrate sandmat

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Prostrate sandmat

Care Guide for Prostrate sandmat

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