Spurge
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(Euphorbia ophthalmica)
Spurge (Euphorbia ophthalmica)
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© Ong Jyh Seng
CC BY-SA 4.0
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© Ong Jyh Seng
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Ong Jyh Seng | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: ongzi | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Euphorbia ophthalmica, commonly known as Spurge, is a perennial herb that is native to the Tropical Americas. This species typicaly grows to a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) with a similar width. Euphorbia ophthalmica has a unique form with fleshy, green leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by showy, yellowish-green bracts that resemble petals. The flowering season extends from late spring to early summer.
Euphorbia ophthalmica is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a ground cover in dry, sunny areas. It is also used in Mediterranean-style gardens and as a container plant. This spurge prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor fertility. Full sun is ideal to maintain its compact form and encourage flowering. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as the milky sap can be an irritant to skin and eyes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Euphorbia ophthalmica is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a ground cover in dry, sunny areas. It is also used in Mediterranean-style gardens and as a container plant. This spurge prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor fertility. Full sun is ideal to maintain its compact form and encourage flowering. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as the milky sap can be an irritant to skin and eyes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Tropical Americas, thriving in open woodlands and scrub areas
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Euphorbia ophthalmica, Chamaesyce hirta subsp. procumbens, Chamaesyce hirta var. procumbens, Chamaesyce ophthalmica, Chamaesyce pilulifera var. procumbens, Euphorbia bicapitata, Euphorbia hirta var. ophthalmica, Euphorbia hirta var. procumbens, Euphorbia pilulifera var. procumbens, Euphorbia procumbens
GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia ophthalmica