Flowering Spurge

(Euphorbia corollata)

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com., Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

Identification: Flowers consisting of a flowerlike arrangement of 5 large, white bracts from which arises a round, divided ovary topped with a number of styles. Flowers arranged in a flat-topped cluster at the top of the plant. Stem produces a milky sap when broken. Upper leaves in a whorl, lower leaves alternate on the stem. Leaves elongate, with smooth outer margins. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to Ontario and New York in the east, southward to Georgia and Texas. Also found in the Plains States.

Habitat: Flowering Spurge is found along roadsides, in fields, and open woods.

Flowering period: June to October.

Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

Similar Species:

Flowering Spurge is readily identified by the large, white "flowers" and the typical Euphorbia structure. There are other similar species of Euphorbia with white "flowers", but this is the most common and widespread one in the east.

Similar Species

No Similar Species