Catalina

Euphorbia cyathophora (yoo-FOR-bee-uh sy-AY-tho-FOR-uh)

Family: Euphorbiaceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

A member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and a close cousin of our ever popular Poinsettia, Wild Poinsettia is a short-lived annual or biennial native to the central United States, Central America, and South America. Although it is cultivated for consumer use, it is considered a weed by many. Its natural habitat includes disturbed sites, waste areas, roadsides, creek banks and plantation cropland. The specific epithet, cyathophora , is from two Greek words meaning "cup-bearer." This refers to the cup-shaped base of the flowers. Many of its common names come from the upper leaves appearing to have been hand painted. The wild poinsettia prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to dry, well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils. It is tolerant of short dry periods and humid conditions. Pruning may be required to prevent it from becoming to weedy or competing with other plants. It may be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The seeds germinate in the spring and young plants develop very quickly. The wild poinsettia plant can grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The stems are green and erect to ascending. The leaves are opposite towards the plant base, alternate along the majority of the stem, and again opposite on the upper portion of the stems and branches. The leaves and stems produce a milky latex sap that is seen with they are damaged or broken. The leaves are green and vary in shape. Different shaped leaves can appear on a single plant. The inconspicuous flower cyathia (cup-like structure containing several flowers) sit at the tips of the branches on its own stalk. The cyathia cluster can have a diameter of 1.5 inches while individual cyathium (flowers that make up the cyathia) is less than 1/10 inch wide. Both male and female flowers are produced within each structure. Several are male flowers are present and only one female is present. There are also one or two kidney-shaped structures within the flower that contain nectar. When mature, the seed capsules pop open to spread the seed. The wild poinsettia could be used as a specimen, border, or ground cover plant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect pests or diseases. This plant can be weedy and spreads very aggressively. All parts of the plant are poisonous when ingested, and the milky substance that is present when the leaves or stems are broken can cause skin irritation. Keep out of the reach of small children and pets. Wear protective gloves when handling this plant. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Euphorbia .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 70 attributes.