Also known as Cancer Weed · Garden Euphorbia · Milk Weed
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Petty Spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is a fast-growing, upright annual herb with small, inconspicuous flowers and a milky sap. Often considered a weed.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers sunny locations but tolerates some shade.
Low
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in many climates; can tolerate light frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Generally not needed; tolerates poor soils.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Irritant sap
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Petty Spurge sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in cooler conditions.
In hot, dry weather, slightly more frequent watering may be necessary, but ensure excellent drainage.
Pruning is typically not necessary for Petty Spurge. If it becomes overgrown or invasive, stems can be cut back to the ground in late autumn or early spring.
Remove any spent flower stalks to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired.
Euphorbia peplus is easily propagated by seed, which it readily produces and scatters. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in autumn or early spring.
It can also be propagated by cuttings, though this is less common.
Repotting is generally not applicable to Petty Spurge, as it is typically grown as an annual or short-lived perennial and is often treated as a weed. If a specimen is being intentionally cultivated in a pot, repotting can occur in spring to fresh, well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Petty Spurge (Euphorbia peplus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Species | Euphorbia peplus |
Similar in genus Euphorbia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
