Euphorbiaceae
Toothed spurge: Full Sun Plant
Euphorbia dentata
Toothed spurge thrives in full sun on poor, well-drained soil and tolerates dry conditions well, making it a low-maintenance, fast-growing weedy annual that flowers from midsummer into fall.
Every 7-10 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Toothed spurge?
Toothed spurge (Euphorbia dentata) is a easy-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Euphorbia dentata, commonly called toothed spurge or green poinsettia, is a hairy summer annual herb in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native to the central and east-central United States south to northeastern Mexico. It grows in disturbed open ground such as prairies, roadsides, pastures, and w...
Toothed spurge grows up to 60cm. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Toothed spurge tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Toothed spurge?
TLDR: Toothed spurge needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Toothed spurge?
Very drought tolerant once established; water only during extended dry spells and avoid overwatering, which the plant does not need.
How Much Light Does Toothed spurge Need?
Needs full sun exposure for best growth; in shade it becomes sparse and leggy.
What Is the Best Soil for Toothed spurge?
Grows well in poor, sandy, clay, or gravelly soils as long as drainage is good.
What Is Toothed spurge and Where Does It Come From?
Euphorbia dentata, commonly called toothed spurge or green poinsettia, is a hairy summer annual herb in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native to the central and east-central United States south to northeastern Mexico. It grows in disturbed open ground such as prairies, roadsides, pastures, and waste areas, and is recognized by its toothed, lance-shaped leaves and the milky latex sap that oozes from broken stems. Sap contact can irritate skin and eyes, so gloves are recommended when handling the plant.
How to Propagate Toothed spurge?
Seed propagation
- 1 Collect seeds from mature capsules in late summer
- 2 Direct-sow into soil in spring after the last frost
- 3 Keep soil lightly moist until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Toothed spurge Grow?
TLDR: Toothed spurge can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Toothed spurge?
TLDR: Toothed spurge is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Euphorbia dentata - Wikipedia
- Euphorbia dentata Michx. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
- Toothed Spurge (Poinsettia dentata) - Illinois Wildflowers
- Weed of the Month: Toothed Spurge - University of Missouri IPM
- Euphorbia dentata - ficha informativa - CONABIO Malezas de México
- Euphorbia dentata (toothed spurge) - Go Botany
