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Weed Gallery

Euphorbia - Miscellaneous

The flower parts of the Euphorbiaceae family are complex. What looks like a flower petal is made up of the nectar gland and the gland appendage.  The nectar glands attract and reward insects to pollinate.  From the center of the "flower" a single, 3 lobed pod grows out on a stem.  Be careful.  Many Euphorbs have a milky sap that can irritate your skin.

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge family

Texas Queen's Delight (Texas Toothleaf) Stillingia texana

Upright plant branches from base with stems 12"-18" tall.  Flower spike about 2" long male and female flowers are separated.  Fruit, usually 2-3, three sided pods grow at the base of the flower spike.  As they mature the spike falls off.  When the fruit ripens it falls of leaving a triangular base.  Strap-like leaves grow in a spiral up the stem.  They are 2"-3" long with serrated edges.  Stems have milky sap.  Stems turn red in autumn.  This plant was used as a cathartic, diuretic, and emetic.  The root was used to treat skin ulcerations after taking mercury to treat syphilis.

Photos taken in Taylor County, Texas, April 2004, May-June & October 2005

(Native of Texas)

Similar Species

Queen's Delight Stillingia sylvatica

Leaves are long and wide.  Flower head is not scruffy.

Trecul's Toothleaf Stillingia treculiana

Leaves oval and very toothed.

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge family

Branched Noseburn Tragia ramosa

Leaves about 1/2" long with crinkly edges.  Leaves, stalks, and fruit covered in long hairs.  Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant.  Flowers are about 1/16" wide.  Flower parts remain attached to fruit.  Plant 6"-8" tall.

Photo taken in Taylor County, Texas, April 2006

(Native of Texas)

Similar Species

Betonyleaf Noseburn Tragia betonicifolia

similar but not as furry

Catnip Noseburn Tragia nepetifolia

similar but not as furry

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