Eyebane

Euphorbia nutans Lag. (yoo-FOR-bee-uh NUT-ans)

Family: Euphorbiaceae Native

Nodding spurge is a weedy annual or short-lived perennial herb in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) native to the Eastern and Central United States, Southeastern Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia, and Venezuela. The specific epithet, nutans , means "drooping" and references the nodding stems. This plant is found in disturbed areas along roads, railroad tracks, river and stream beds, gardens, and lawns. The nodding spurge is very similar to hyssop spurge but leaves are generally larger and younger foliage is softly hairy, losing hairs with age. Nodding spurge prefers full sun and well-draining soil but adapts to various soil conditions. It tolerates drought and humidity; however, wet soil conditions often cause root rot. It can be propagated by stem cuttings, and it can also readily reseed itself. The stems are pinkish-red, round, and hairy when young. The lower part of the stem is erect, but it tends to droop at the end of the branches. The leaves are green with a red blotch in the center on the upper surface and is a lighter green on the undersides. They are oval to oblong with either serrated or entire margins, and the surface of young leaves have finely curled hairs.. As with all euphorbias, nodding spurge exudes a milky sap from the stems and leaves that can be toxic.The flowers are small clusters of cup-shaped, greenish-pink and white blooms at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a tiny, 3-lobed capsule containing one seed in each lobe. This plant is best found in native gardens or meadows and lawns. Preliminary research suggests that nodding spurge is generally well-controlled by most herbicides that list "spurge" as a susceptible species. Quick ID Hints: Pinkish-red stems Oblique leaf base Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Nodding spurge has no serious insect or disease problems. Overwatering can cause root rot. Some people experience skin rashes from contact with the toxic sticky plant sap of euphorbias. Wears protective gloves when handling this plant. Keep this plant out of reach of small children and pets. Management Guidelines for Spurges : Because spurges flower when young and have little or no seed dormancy, weed populations can increase rapidly. Remove plants when young to reduce seed production. They are time-consuming to hand weed due to the number of seedlings that form. Some species may forcefully discharge seeds. Spurges are well-controlled by most pre-emergence herbicides labeled for use. 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, 66 attributes.