PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, disturbed areas with minimal shade.
Watering
Water sparingly; highly drought-tolerant, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Tolerates light frost but prefers temperate to warm conditions; avoid prolonged freezing temperatures.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow linear to oblong leaves, arranged in opposite pairs along stems, pale green.
- Flower: Tiny greenish-yellow cyathia (false flowers) clustered at stem tips, lacking true petals.
- Stem: Slender, branching stems exuding milky white sap when broken.
Care Guide
Watering
Water only when top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required; tolerates poor soil. Fertilizer is not needed for this low-maintenance weed species.
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder and sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without overfeeding the nutrient-tolerant plant.Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed gardens.
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk.
- Pull entire plants after flowering to eliminate spread in cultivated areas.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-listed toxic; sap exposure may cause oral pain, drooling, and vomiting.
Humans: Milky sap causes oral irritation if ingested and contact dermatitis on skin exposure.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
