Euphorbia maculata (spotted spurge)

Euphorbia maculata leaves

Leaf type: Egg-shaped, elongated oval
Leaf margin: Toothed
Phyllotaxis: Opposite
Colour: Green with dark red spots or solid green
Life cycle: Annual

Leaf (upper side)

leaves Euphorbia maculata
Euphorbia maculata is characterized by its leaf spots, which, however, do not appear on all leaves and are not all the same size.
oblong leaves Euphorbia maculata
These leaves are almost completely devoid of spots.

Growth habit & biology

Euphorbia maculata is an annual plant. The stems grow prostrate or semi-erect and can reach up to 30 centimeters in length.

The elongated oval leaves usually, but not always, feature a dark red or brownish spot.

All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Euphorbia maculata habit

Distribution & habitates

Euphorbia maculata is native to North America and the Caribbean, it is considered naturalized in Europe and other regions (source).

It inhabits roadsides, gravel paths, pavement cracks, weedy areas, construction sites, parks, and gardens.

Euphorbia maculata paving stones
Spotted spurge growing in a pavement in a parking lot.

Botany

Euphorbia maculata is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and is commonly known as spotted spurge or prostrate spurge.

spotted spurge