Edge/ Milk Purslane

COMMON NAME: Milk Purslane

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Ground Fig, Black-Pusley, Glack Spurge, Eyebane, Emetic Weed, Blotched Spurge, Wart-Weed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Euphorbia maculata

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: Prostrate to 15 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late June to late September

FRUITING TIME: Late July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Quebec to Florida ~ West to North Dakota ~  Statewide in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Prostrate often forming circular mats ~ Leaves dark green, often with red spots, oblong ~ Small flowers with bracts (specialized leaf or leaflike part usually situated at the base of the flower) around them

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Euphorbiaceae) commonly called the Spurge Family consists of 321 genera and 7,950 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions.  A family members (Hevea brasiliensis) supplies most of the world’s rubber. The family also includes poinsettia, castor bean, croton, Mexican jumping beans. Euphorbus was the Greek Physician of King Juba of Numidia, a Roman province in North Africa.  Spurge is derived from Old French espurgier--to purge. Milk Purslanes, and other member of this family, are abundant weeds in lawns and gardens. The seeds contain the protein ricin, which causes serious poisoning or death when ingested.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.