Back Dune/ Seaside Spurge

COMMON NAME: Seaside spurge

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Euphorbia polygonifolia

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae

COMMUNITY: Primary dune

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Prostrate, forming mats

FLOWERING TIME: July to October

FRUITING TIME: July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Quebec to Georgia and Great Lakes

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves opposite, linear-oblong to lance-oblong, entire ~ Seeds plump, smooth, gray

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Euphorgiaceae) commonly called the Spurge Family consists of 321 genera and nearly 8000 species of shrubs, lianas, trees and a few herbs; found particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.  Family members provide rubber, castor oil, tung oil, candlenut oil, purgatives and food. Eupohorbus was the Greek physician of King Juba of Nubia, a Roman province in North Africa.  Spurge is derived from Old French espurgier (to purge).

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.