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slender leafy spurge

Euphorbia virgata

Slender leafy spurge is a tall plant with thin, green leaves and small yellow flowers. It grows in sunny places and can spread quickly, making it a fun plant to spot in gardens and fields!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The slender leafy spurge has clusters of small, yellowish-green, heart-shaped bracts that resemble flowers, atop slender stems. Its narrow, blue-green leaves spiral up the stem, creating dense, bushy growth. The overall appearance is bright green and airy.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia
slender leafy spurge
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
slender leafy spurge

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It can form vast "sea of green" patches, taking over huge areas of land!

Its bright yellow-green parts are actually modified leaves, not true flowers!

This plant can survive harsh conditions by growing roots up to 25 feet deep!

Tiny "nectar glands" on its bracts attract insects, even though it's toxic!

Special abilities

Ability

Root Runner

Slender leafy spurge has an extensive root system that can grow deep, helping it survive droughts and spread quickly.

Ability

Sap Shield

Slender leafy spurge can release a sticky, milky sap when broken, which deters hungry animals from munching on it.

Ability

Seed Shot

Slender leafy spurge can explosively eject its seeds, launching them far away to find new places to grow.

Measurements & details

Height
30-100 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eats

Black Dot Spurge Beetle

Aphthona nigriscutis

Larvae consume its roots, adults eat leaves.

eats

Spurge Hawk-moth

Hyles euphorbiae

Its caterpillars feed on the plant's leaves and flowers.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits its nectar glands, spreading pollen.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Avoid touching the sap, as it can be sticky. Always wash your hands after exploring plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is slender leafy spurge?

30-100 cm

How wide does slender leafy spurge spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on slender leafy spurge?

0.5-1 cm

When does slender leafy spurge bloom?

Late spring to early fall

Is slender leafy spurge edible?

No

Is slender leafy spurge toxic?

Moderate

What is slender leafy spurge's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is slender leafy spurge pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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