Leaf type: Oval to roundish (leaves), triangular, ovate and crenate (bracts)
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Leaf (upper side)
Habitus & biology
The petty spurge grows as an annual, but can produce several generations per year, so that it can also be seen flowering in winter in mild regions.
Depending on the location, it grows to a height of between 10 and 30 centimetres.
All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Distribution & habitates
Africa, Asia, Europe and as an introduced species also in other regions (distribution map for Europe).
Habitates
Petty spurge inhabits sunny to shady locations, but does not cope well with dry soil. It can be found on hedges, embankments, in bushes, parks, gardens and along roadsides.
Botany
Euphorbia peplus is a member of the spurge-family (Euphorbiaceae) and commonly known as radium weed, cancer weed, milkweed and petty spurge.
