Plant Profile: Euphorbia hirta

Spurges are annual weeds that thrive in warm conditions, and in milder climates, they can continue to grow into late autumn. These plants produce greenish-white flowers from summer to early fall, ultimately dying off after the first frost. They are among the most prevalent warm-season weeds found in container nurseries. Commonly referred to as Dove Milk, Euphorbia hirta releases a milky sap when its stems or leaves are damaged.

Due to their ability to flower at a young age, minimal seed dormancy, and rapid germination, spurges can quickly proliferate. To mitigate seed production, it is advisable to remove these plants while they are still young, preventing the emergence of excessive seedlings. Some species can explosively release their seeds, resulting in a larger population. If hand-pulling is impractical, a preemergent herbicide can be applied following the manufacturer's instructions.

The Garden Spurge species is characterized by its prostrate to ascending growth habit, featuring distinctly uneven leaves and a prominent seedhead. There are two variations: one with small, light green leaves and another with larger, often maroon-hued leaves.