hairy spurge

Euphorbia hirta

Scientific name

"This erect or prostrate annual herb can grow up to 60 cm long with a solid, hairy stem that produces an abundant white latex. There are stipules (a small leaflike appendage to a leaf, typically borne in pairs at the base of the leaf stalk) present. The leaves are simple, elliptical, hairy (on both upper and lower surfaces but particularly on the veins on the lower leaf surface), with a finely dentate (having a toothlike or serrated edge) margin. Leaves occur in opposite pairs on the stem. The flowers are unisexual and found in axillary cymes (The flower has a central stem with a single flower, later the other flowers develop as buds of side stems (Oxford)) at each leaf node. They lack petals and are generally on a stalk. The fruit is a capsules with three valves and produces tiny, oblong, four-sided red seeds. It has a white or brown taproot."

Propagation instructions

By seed

Easily controlled by hand removal. Cover the soil with 2mm or thicker plastic sheets for 30 - 45 days for 100% control.

References and further reading

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