Plant species

sun spurge Euphorbia helioscopia

Euphorbiaceae

Species information

Description

A spurge with simple leaves and small flower-like inflorescences framed by bracts. A common annual spurge of fields, gardens and disturbed ground, with yellow-green inflorescences surrounded by conspicuous bracts.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

annual

Height

10–40 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

arable land · gardens and parks · ruderal habitats

Light

full sun

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

indifferent

Substrate

indifferent

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

The upper bracts form a radiating pattern like a small sun umbrella, reflected in the name helioscopia ('sun-gazing').

LifeSystems

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