prairie tea
Family
EuphorbiaceaeScientific Name
Croton monanthogynusHabit
Prarie tea is an erect growing weed. It can be an annual or perennial depending on where it is found. It is a monecious weed, meaning it has both male and female reproductive parts.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate with serrate or entire margins.
Identifying Characteristics
The stem branches symmetrically. Stems, petioles, and the flowers are covered in fine hairs.
Flower Seed Head
The stem ends abruptly with the flower head directly above. Individual flower petals are small.
Seed Fruit
The fruit of prarie tea hang down loosly from the stems. Fruits are 4-5mm long and longer than they are wide. They only produce 1 seed per fruit. The seed is brown, oval shaped, and 2.5-3mm long.
Where Found
Prarie tea is rarely found. It prefers limestone or basic soils.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
lance
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
lobed
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
present
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb