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Weed Identification

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science Virginia Cooperative Extension

spotted sandmat

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Scientific Name

Chamaesyce maculata
Weed photograph 1
Weed photograph 2
Weed photograph 3
Weed photograph 4
Weed photograph 5
Weed photograph 6
Weed photograph 7
Weed photograph 8

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Chamaesyce mathewsii Small
Chamaesyce tracyi Small
Chamaesyce supina
Euphorbia supina
Euphorbia maculata

Habit

Spotted spurge is a summer annual that spreads by seeds and germinates throughout the summer. The plants reaches a height of up to 30 inches, though it is most often a low growing weed, which forms dense mats. It flowers from mid-summer until fall. It is found throughout the southeastern United States, and has been introduced to the western United States.

Leaves

The leaves of spotted spurge are opposite in arrangement. They are ovate or oblong, and may be very finely toothed. They have a distinguishable red splotch midway down the leaf, on the center vein. The reach a length of up to 1.5 inches.

Identifying Characteristics

Spotted spurge can be distinguished by the radial mat it forms. It also emits a white sap when broken, which makes it distinguishable. Their leaves are distinguished by a dark red mark down the center vein.

Flower Seed Head

The flowers of spotted spurge often go unnoticed. They are small, at about .06 inches in diameter. They are usually white or greenish, but may appear reddish. They are grouped in small, flowerlike cups in the leaf axils. Flowers appear in mid-summer and bloom until fall.

Seed Fruit

The fruit of spotted spurge is about 1/16 of an inch long, and contains one seed, about 1/25 of an inch long. The fruit is often hairy in appearance.

Where Found

Spotted spurge is found throughout North America. It is native to the Southeastern United States, but is now found throughout the United States.

Growth Habit

prostrate and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

pencil

Dominant Flower Color

Varies: 
white, 
pink

Flower Symmetry

not symmetrical

Leaf Hairs

no hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies: 
lance, 
oval

Leaf Arrangement

opposite

Leaf Margin

serrated

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

none

Stem Hairs

has hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

present

Root Structure

taproot

Life Cycle

summer annual

Plant Type

Herb