Asthma Plant
Euphorbia hirta (yoo-FOR-bee-uh HER-tuh)
Garden spurge is an herbaceous annual plant considered to be a warm-season weed in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It originates from tropical and subtropical Americas but has spread to Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. It is found in lawns, agricultural areas, roadsides and in the nursery trade. It can also be found in planting beds, sidewalk cracks, or between patio pavers. The specific epithet, hirta , is Latin for hairy and references the plants stems. This plant can grow in full sun to full shade. It tolerates most growing conditions including poor soils. It can grow in almost any type of soil and grows rapidly. It does require moderate amounts of water and well-drained soil. Garden spurge is intolerant to frost, but it serves as annual in temperate areas that have warm or hot summers. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds over the growing season. Several thousand seeds can be produced by one plant over 2 to 3 months. The stems are round, reddish-purple and covered with long yellowish-brown hairs and short white hairs. The stems grow 6 to 20 inches in length and are prostrate to ascending. The leaves are opposite, oblong to lanceolate with a pointed tip, and green with a reddish to purplish coloring. The tiny flowers are produced in small clusters in the leaf axils and are green to brown to pinkish in color. The fruits are a 3-lobed capsule and contain reddish-brown seeds. The seeds have no dormancy period and germinate once they are dispersed by the wind or water. Garden spurge could be used as a ground cover, bed border, or container planting, if desired. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can occur. This plant can be weedy and may be controlled by hoeing or hand pulling. Mulch will help prevent seeds from germinating as they need light to do so. Chemical control can be done with most postemergence herbicides and systemic herbicides such as glyphosate. As with most euphorbias, the stems contain a milky sap that may cause contact dermatitis. Wear protective gloves when handling this plant. All parts of this plant are toxic, if ingested. Monitor small children and pets in the presence of this plant. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Euphorbia .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 64 attributes.