Spotted spurge is a summer annual broadleaf weed. The mature leaves of this plant are dark green with a dark purple blotch in the center of each leaf. The stems of this plant are pink and hairy. The stems of this plant can grow up to 20″ long when they are fully mature. This plant produces a white milk like sap when the stem of this plant is broken. This weed produces white to pink flowers in May through September. This broadleaf plant prefers dry, sandy or compacted soil. This plant reproduces by seed. The seeds of this weed are tiny and only about 1/10 of an inch in size. They resemble that of a shelled sunflower seed. This weed is a creeping ground cover and can quickly consume a lawn or landscape bed. This weed is commonly found growing in cracks or unattended landscape beds.
Spotted Spurge in turf grass
Spotted spurge hairs
Spotted spurge sap
Spotted Spurge
Chamaesyce Maculata
Treatment
Treat this plant with a selective broadleaf herbicide when the plant is actively growing.
Similar broadleaf weeds.
- Prostrate Knotweed
- Purslane