Common Spotted Spurge (Non-Grass Weed)
Euphorbia maculata (syn. Chamaesyce maculata) · Warm-season, Summer Annual, C4 photosynthetic pathway
Grass Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family) - Not a member of Poaceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass mimic (Broadleaf Weed)
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild-type species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-10; dies back with the first frost after prolific seeding.
About This Grass
A low-growing, spreading broadleaf weed often mistaken for a mat-forming grass in lawns. Features reddish, hairy stems that exude a milky white latex sap when broken. Small, opposite leaves often have a dark purple spot in the center.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves (not blades) are small (4-15mm), oval/oblong shape, with finely serrated margins. Color is dull green with a characteristic maroon/purple spot. Arrangement is opposite along the stem.
Root System
Central taproot that can go deep into compacted soil; lacks rhizomes or stolons but stems can root at nodes in very moist conditions.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America; widely naturalized in temperate and tropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Prostrate, mat-forming; spreads via seed from a central taproot
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, compacted soils or sidewalk cracks.
Mowing & Maintenance
High tolerance to low mowing; mats grow below the blade height of most mowers. Controlled through pre-emergent herbicides or hand-pulling.
Special Characteristics
Salt tolerant, highly resistant to traffic, contains toxic milky latex that can irritate skin and eyes.
Ecological Information
Commonly found in disturbed sites and turf; seeds are consumed by some ground-feeding birds but generally considered a nuisance weed in managed landscapes.