Family: spurges (Euphorbiaceae)
Flowering time: June–August
Size: 10–25 cm
Habitat: ruderal
The prostrate stem of the spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is branched. Its stem, leaves and fruits are hairy. Leaves arranged oppositely are small, usually 6 to 12 mm long. The leaf blade has at its base a single prominent vein, the leaf edge is finely serrated, and on the upper surface of the leaf there is usually a dark spot, which gave this species its name. Its approximately 1 mm long appendages are free, slender and thread-like. The fruits of the spotted spurge are densely short-haired all over their surface. Mature seeds are brown or reddish-brown in color.
Spotted spurge is an annual herb that originates from North America and is naturalized in our country. It is a light-loving and warm-loving species that thrives on soils moderately rich in nitrogen and well-drained, airy soils. It is widespread throughout Slovenia, and we will find it in cemeteries, between paving stones, along railway lines and in similar ruderal habitats.
