Origin:
A native of Europe, and now distributed from Atlantic Coast to Pacific Coast.
Biology:
An annual, upright weed that is very common in irrigated landscape. Like other spurge species it exudes a white, milky sap when stems or leaves are broken, and plant parts are reported to be toxic to both humans and livestock when eaten.
Identification:
Mature plants can grow to 18 inches tall, with a solitary central stem or multiple stems branching from the base of the plant. Stems branch again near the tops of the main stems. Stems are smooth, and green to reddish-green. Leaves occur on short stalks, singly along the stems. The lower leaves are round and the leaves just below the flowers are somewhat heart-shaped and without stalks. Foliage tends to be light green to yellow-green. Flowers are very small and greenish, forming in small clusters at the tops of the stems.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
An annual weed that favors undisturbed landscape habitats with sufficient moisture. Easily removed by hand due to the upright growth and weak, fibrous roots.
