Spotted Spurge (Prostrate Spurge)

Scientific Name -
Chamaesyce hyssopifolia (L.) Small
[Euphorbia maculata L.]
Family - Euphorbiaceae

Summer annual with freely branched prostrate stems that do not root at the nodes. Stems smooth or hairy, with "milky" sap. Leaves opposite, usually with a reddish spot, not symmetrical. Occurring in any disturbed area. Found in the eastern United States, west to North Dakota and Texas and into California and Oregon. Also occurs in Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Japan, New Zealand, and Lebanon. Prostrate spurge [Chamaesyce humistrata] is similar but roots at the nodes. Both species reproduces by seed.