TOOTHED SPURGE
Euphorbia davidii
SPURGE FAMILY (Euphorbiaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - July, August, September, October
- Uncommon in disturbed sites at FF and NW
- Cluster of leaves with white bases at top of plant
- Flowers just above leaves have no petals
- Green 3-lobed fruits project from center of flower
This native annual grows up to 2 feet tall, usually with opposite midstem leaves (C) and a rounded cluster of leaves at the top (D). Both stem and leaves contain milky sap. At the top of the erect stem is a cluster of pale green floral cups (cyathia) containing several inconspicuous, pale yellow male flowers and a single female flower that matures into a stalked, 3-lobed capsule which protrudes from the cup (B). They are framed by several toothed, lance-shaped leaves of various sizes up to 3 inches long which have pale green to white bases (A).
Uncommon along roadsides, trail edges and waste places at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from July to October.
Characteristic white leaf bases and opposite mid stem leaves separate this plant from Fire-On-The-Mountain (Euphorbia cyathophora). Floral cups of our other Euphorbias all have white or pinkish petal-like bracts that look more like the usual flower.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.