Chamaesyce maculata (L.) Small

Prostrate spurge, spotted sandmat, spotted spurge, milk purslane

These North American native plants are common weeds.

Plants: This common species apparently takes on multiple forms, judging from the surprisingly variable descriptions I have found so far. Some sources say it keeps a low profile, about 1″ (2.5 cm) high, lying flat on the ground, hence the “prostrate” and “sandmat” in two of its common names. This is the only form I have so far noticed. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide says it is “more or less erect with a stem up to 2½′ (76 cm) high.” The article at missouriplants.com describes it as up to 12″ (30 cm) in height, “erect to ascending or reclining.” Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast describes it as 1¾–4″ (5–10 cm) tall. Wildflowers in the Field and Forest says it is 4–36″ (10–91 cm) in height. Stems are green, often pale to strong red in sunlight, heavily branched, with sparse tomentoulose hairs. They produce a milky latex when cut.

Leaves: The leaves are also variable. They are opposite, oval to linear and somewhat asymmetric, with one edge flatter than the other and fine serrations, ⅛–1″ (5–30 mm) long and about one third to one half as wide. Leaves often have an irregular dark reddish blotch near the center.

Flowers: Practically invisible, at less than ⅛″ (3.2 mm) in size. They are cyathia with four “petals” that are white or light pink

Fruits: About 1/32″ (1 mm) in size.

Habitats: Disturbed soils, roadsides, gravelly areas, atop mulch, gardens, cracks in sidewalks.

Edibility: Poisonous The milky sap may cause a mild contact dermatitis. Gloves are advisable when handling this plant.

Similar species.

Online References:

References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Chamaesyce maculata description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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