Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 455 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Euphorbia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Seaside sandmat, known scientifically as Euphorbia polygonifolia, is a distinctive member of the Euphorbiaceae family. This hearty plant is notable for its adaptability to various coastal environments, flourishing from eastern Canada through to the eastern and central regions of the United States.
First described in detail by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, the seaside sandmat has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts for generations. Linnaeus’s classification, recorded in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” (Sp. Pl.: 455), has served as a foundational reference for understanding this species.
Characteristic of the Euphorbia genus, Euphorbia polygonifolia exhibits the unique traits typical of the family. It thrives in sandy, often harsh beach environments where few other plants can survive, demonstrating remarkable resilience to salty and windy conditions. Its presence along the coastlines helps stabilize the dunes and prevent erosion, playing an essential role in these delicate ecosystems.
The plant itself is generally low-growing, often forming sprawling mats across the ground. Its stems are slightly woody and bear small, narrow leaves that are well-adapted to its challenging habitat. The seaside sandmat produces inconspicuous flowers that, upon closer inspection, reveal the intricate beauty typical of Euphorbias.
Beyond its ecological importance, Euphorbia polygonifolia has sparked interest for its potential uses in cultivation and its role in coastal garden designs. Gardeners who seek to create native plant landscapes are drawn to this species for its durability and its contribution to biodiversity.
In summary, the seaside sandmat stands as a testament to nature’s adaptability and persistence. From the rugged shores of eastern Canada to the warmer coasts of the United States, this plant underscores the richness of coastal botany and the ongoing legacy of Linnaeus’s groundbreaking work in plant taxonomy.
Common Names
Eng: seaside sandmat, seaside spurge, knotweed spurge, northern seaside spurge
Fra: euphorbe à feuilles de renouée, chamésyce à feuilles de renouée
En: Seaside Sandmat, Seaside spurge, Knotweed spurge, Northern seaside spurge
Fr: Euphorbe à feuilles de renouée, Chamésyce à feuilles de renouée, Euphorbe
: Seaside sandmat
Synonyms
- Euphorbia maritima (Nutt.)
- Chamaesyce polygonifolia ((L.) Small)
- Xamesike polygonifolia ((L.) Raf.)
- Anisophyllum polygonifolium ((L.) Haw.)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- France (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Sep 6, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 21, 2019 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Jean-Luc Hercent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2022 by riopedre nuria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Nerea SA (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 6, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 30, 1871 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Flower
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3065669)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:276662-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia polygonifolia L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]
