Euphorbia nutans

Similar to the other species of Chamaesyce but is an upright grower and usually has a distinctive maroon spot in the center of each leaf. Many authors have incorrectly called this species E. maculata (Correll and Johnston 1979).

The following information is for the genus Euphorbia including ground-spurges (Chamaesyce) and several other groups that some botanists recognize as distinct genera: Animals that eat its seeds: Ground dove, Mourning dove, Bobwhite quail, Gambel quail, Chestnut-bellied scaled quail, Painted bunting, Horned lark, American pipit, Chipping sparrow. Animals that eat the plant: Antelope (Martin et al. 1951).

Reputed to be poisonous (Correll and Johnston 1979). Abundant throughout coastal prairie. It is a widespread weed in warmer parts of the world. In the United States it ranges from the gulf coast to South Dakota and New York.

Blackland, clay, and gravel prairies. Thickets, sunny spots in woodlands, fields and pastures, roadsides, lawns and gardens, and waste areas.