Flowering Spurge
ExplorePlants
Flowering Spurge
euphorbia corollata
Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata) is an elegant and resilient perennial wildflower native to the prairies and open woodlands of North America. Often mistaken for Baby's Breath due to its delicate, cloud-like clusters of white blossoms, this plant is actually a members of the spurge family. It thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils where other plants struggle, acting as a crucial food source for diverse native pollinators during the hot summer months. Its deep taproot makes it highly drought-tolerant, and like other spurges, it features a distinctive milky white sap.
Habitat: Found in dry prairies, sandy savannas, rocky glades, and along sunny roadsides across central and eastern North America.
Appearance
This species stands erect at heights between 30 and 90 cm, with smooth, light-green stems that branch near the upper portion. Its leaves are narrow, oblong, and light green, arranged alternately along the lower stem and whorled beneath the inflorescence. The most striking visual feature is the cluster of small flowers; what appear to be five white petals are actually modified leaves (bracts) surrounding tiny, yellow-green cyathia at the center. When any part of the stem or leaf is broken, a thick, white, milky sap quickly oozes out.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Historically, Native Americans utilized small, controlled doses of the root as a powerful purgative and laxative.
Its milky latex sap can cause severe skin irritation and blistering in humans, behaving similarly to poison ivy for sensitive individuals.
The apparent white petals of the Flowering Spurge are not petals at all, but modified leaves called bracts designed to lure insects.
Special abilities
Ability
Milky Chemical Defense
Produces a toxic, sticky white latex sap containing euphol that deters herbivores and insects from feeding on its foliage.
Ability
Deep Taproot Resilience
Possesses a robust, deep-reaching taproot system that allows the plant to access deep water reserves during severe droughts.
Ability
Floral Bract Mimicry
Employs showy white bracts that mimic petals, efficiently attracting pollinators to its microscopic true flowers while saving energy.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-90 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, Flowering Spurge produces its own sugars using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide while absorbing minerals from the soil.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
mutualism
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits the tiny cyathia glands to feed on abundant nectar, aiding in pollination.
eaten by
Spurge Hawkmoth
Hyles euphorbiae
The caterpillars feed on the foliage of the plant, tolerating the toxic sap.
competitor
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Competes directly with Flowering Spurge for light, space, and soil moisture in tallgrass prairies.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Flowering Spurge?
The easiest way to identify Flowering Spurge is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Flowering Spurge?
30-90 cm
How long does Flowering Spurge live?
3-10 years
What does Flowering Spurge eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, Flowering Spurge produces its own sugars using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide while absorbing minerals from the soil.
Where is Flowering Spurge usually found?
Found in dry prairies, sandy savannas, rocky glades, and along sunny roadsides across central and eastern North America.
How does Flowering Spurge hunt?
Photosynthesis
Snap Map
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Where to spot
Park30 sightings12 species
Texas, US
Bastrop State Park
You might spot Yaupon Holly, American Beautyberry, and Loblolly Pine.
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Park25 sightings12 species
Wisconsin, US
Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie State Natural Area
You might spot Green Comet Milkweed, Wood Lily, and Flowering Spurge.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Indiana, US
Gary City Center Historic District
You might spot Common Reed, Rosepink, and Bearberry.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Wisconsin, US
Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
You might spot Eastern Redcedar, Rock Polypody, and Vulture.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Wisconsin, US
Menomonie Downtown Historic District
You might spot Eastern Skunk Cabbage and Common Motherwort.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Wisconsin, US
University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
You might spot Sundial Lupine, Canadian Lousewort, and Cream Wild-Indigo.
View guide →
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