Also known as Annual Dog's Mercury · Boys-And-Girls · French Mercury
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Annual Mercury (Mercurialis annua) is an erect, branching herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It grows quickly and reseeds readily.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers well-lit conditions but tolerates some shade.
Regular
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
Loam, Sandy, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Grows well in average room or garden temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly once during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
In very hot or dry conditions, more frequent watering may be necessary to prevent wilting and stress to the plant.
Pruning is generally not required for Mercurialis annua as it is an annual. If desired for tidiness or to prevent excessive self-seeding, you can deadhead spent flowers or cut back plants before they go to seed.
This can help manage its spread.
Mercurialis annua is primarily propagated by seed. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn. It readily self-seeds, often establishing itself in suitable conditions without intervention.
Repotting is not applicable as Mercurialis annua is an annual plant that completes its life cycle within one growing season. It is typically grown from seed sown directly in the garden or in temporary containers.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Annual Mercury (Mercurialis annua)
Where Annual Mercury (Mercurialis annua) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Mercurialis |
| Species | Mercurialis annua |
Similar in genus Mercurialis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
