Spotted Spurge

Chamaesyce maculata; sometimes listed as Euphorbia maculata)

This annual weed is particularly aggressive: not only does it produce large quantities of seed, it also sets seed within just a few weeks of germination. It grows in well-nourished lawns or gardens and branches freely. It grows from a shallow taproot and forms a low mat of branching stems. It's leaves vary from dark green to red but generally bear a purplish-brown blotch on the upper surface. An easy way to identify this weed is to tear off a leaf, stem or shoot of the plant. It will then bleed a milky juice.

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