Spotted spurge
Common Name:
spurge, spotted
Scientific Name:
Chamaesyce maculata
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Lifecycle:
Annual
Features
Annual dicot. Leaves opposite, green to purple in color. Flowers in axils. Exudes a white latex sap upon breaking the stem. Size, shape, and color of plant can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions plant is grown in. Generally, plant is small and prostrate in growth with a purple appearance and dark blotch watermarked leaves.
Description
Milky sap is the most distinguishing characteristic of the Euphorbs. Small annual plant that normally grows appressed to the ground. Common weed in thatchy turfgrass, including bermudagrass and bentgrass putting greens. This species is also thought to be an indicator of heavy nematode populations. Plant is very tolerant of drought stress conditions and can often be observed surviving when turfgrass has gone completely dormant from drought.