Nodding Spurge

Chamaesyce nutans

Weed Description
Nodding spurge is an erect summer annual commonly found in cultivate areas, fields, pastures, and roadsides. The blooming period is from mid summer to fall.

Leaves
Leaves are opposite, measure 0.5-4cm in length, 3-15mm in width and simple. Margins are finely serrated, contain a milky sap, and petioles are extremely short 1-2mm in length or absent. Fine hairs may or may not be present near the base of the leaf. Lower leaves are light green while the upperside may have a red blotch in the middle.

Stems
Stems are erect and dichotomously or Y branched with green or red stems that contain milky sap.

Flowers
Male and female flowers are seperate, inflorescence consists of a small cyanthium on a strait pedicel. 5-29 male flowers per cyathium. A single stamen is attached to the involucre side, while female flowers are positioned in the center of the involucre.

Roots
Fibrous root system from a taproot.

Identifying Characteristics
Nodding spruge is similar in appearance to spotted spurge and prostrate spurge but differ with an erect or ascending stem. Leaves are opposite with pubescent tips, stems and leaves contain a milky sap that is released when vegetative stems and leaves are damaged.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Nodding Spurge

Chamaesyce nutans