Scientific Family
Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms
Euphorbia maculata
Other common names
prostrate spurge
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
Less than 1 inch
Riparian
No
A native plant that branches frequently at the base forming a mat that is 6 to 18 inches across.
Hairy stems and seed capsules; opposite leaves with a purple spot distinguish this from other Chamaesyce sp.
Habitat
Habitats include glades, dry sand prairies, cropland, gravelly areas along railroads and roadsides, lawns and gardens, cracks in sidewalks and pavement, borders along buildings, and sterile waste areas containing sand, gravel, or compacted soil.
Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Disturbed Areas
Grasslands
Interior Chaparral
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
0
High elevation
6000
Flower Characteristics
This plant is monoecius having both female and male flowers. Neither male or female flowers have petals or sepals.
Flower color
Pinkish white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems exude a milky sap when broken and they may turn pale red in bright sunlight. Each leaf has a large purple spot.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Tiny seed capsules are oblong and 3 lobed.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Light brown