Gardenweed (Euphorbia segetalis, Sp. Pl.: 458 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 458 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to SC. Europe

Description

Gardenweed, scientifically recognized as Euphorbia segetalis, is a botanical entity that boasts a significant presence across various regions such as Macaronesia, the Mediterranean basin, and extending towards Southern and Central Europe. This species is a notable member of the Euphorbiaceae family, a diverse group well-regarded for their unique adaptations and ecological significance.

Known for its resilient growth patterns, Gardenweed thrives in a variety of environments, often flourishing in fields, meadows, and other cultivated lands. The plant’s adaptability to different soil types and climates within its geographical range underscores its evolutionary prowess.

First documented in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, authored by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, Euphorbia segetalis has been a subject of study for centuries. Its qualities and ecological role within its native habitats continue to be of scientific interest, contributing valuable insights into plant biology and environmental interactions.

Gardenweed’s characteristic features include its vibrant green foliage and the distinctive structure that typifies members of the Euphorbiaceae family. Its presence in various ecosystems not only enriches the biodiversity but also provides functional benefits, such as soil stabilization and habitat for local fauna.

In essence, Euphorbia segetalis, or Gardenweed, is much more than a mere plant; it is a resilient survivor, a contributor to ecological balance, and a testament to the intricate beauty of the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: grainfield spurge, corn spurge, gardenweed
Deu: saat-wolfsmilch
Hun: vetési kutyatej
En: Gardenweed, Corn spurge, Grainfield spurge
Eu: Itsas esne-belar
Ca: Lleteresa de camp, Lletrera de fulla estreta
Fi: Vainiotyräkki
Fr: Euphorbe des moissons
De: Saat-Wolfsmilch
Hu: Vetési kutyatej
It: Euforbia delle messi
Es: Lechetrezna del campo

Synonyms

• Esula segetalis ((L.) Haw.)
• Keraselma segetale ((L.) Raf.)
• Tithymalus segetalis ((L.) Hill)
• Euphorbia segetalis var. montserratensis (Marcet)
• Euphorbia segetalis f. robusta (Sennen)
• Euphorbia segetalis var. tetraceras ((Lange) Merino)
• Euphorbia segetalis var. truncata (Willk.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Arthur Coutin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Arthur Coutin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2021 by Pierre Mambré (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Luque carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Franz JULLIEN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2018 by simon llebour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Stephane Premier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by fernandez martinez manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Arthur Coutin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by nicolas sauvion (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by pnst Eno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Reina Antonio Jesus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2022 by Kirs von Bom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 28, 2018 by Gunter Panner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Albert Mallol Camprubí (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Ali Cia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2019 by joselu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Marie-Claude Deboin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Stéphane Adamowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Albert Mallol Camprubí (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by natalia scrobota (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:348217-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3066495)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia segetalis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 7