Toothed spurge (Euphorbia dentata, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 211 (1803))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 211 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & EC. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico

Description

Toothed Spurge (Euphorbia dentata)

Toothed spurge, known scientifically as Euphorbia dentata, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. This member of the spurge family was first documented by the botanist Michaux in 1803, as referenced in the seminal work “Flora Boreali-Americana” (Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 211).

Description and Characteristics

The toothed spurge is easily recognizable by its distinctive, toothed leaves, which give the plant its common name. These leaves are typically oval to lance-shaped, and their serrated edges distinguish Euphorbia dentata from other members of the spurge family. The plant usually exhibits a vigorous growth pattern, spreading through various means that ensure its proliferation in suitable environments.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is indigenous to the North American continent, particularly prevalent in the central and eastern parts of the United States. Its range extends from these regions down to northeastern Mexico. The plant thrives in a variety of habitats including open fields, prairies, and disturbed sites where it can take advantage of the available resources and less competition from other plant species.

Ecological Impact and Observations

Euphorbia dentata plays a significant role in its native ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of these environments. The plant is adapted to withstand drought conditions, making it a resilient species in the face of changing climates. However, its presence can also indicate certain environmental conditions, which can be useful for ecological studies and monitoring.

Botanical Studies and Historical Significance

The classification and study of Euphorbia dentata by Michaux have provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of the Euphorbiaceae family. Its financial, medicinal, and ecological import amongst indigenous flora underline the significance of thorough botanical research.

Conclusion

Toothed spurge (Euphorbia dentata) is a notable member of the North American flora, with its unique morphological traits and widespread presence that enrich the regions where it naturally occurs. It serves as a crucial example in the study of plant taxonomy, ecology, and environmental resilience.

Common Names

Dan: tand-vortemælk
Eng: toothed euphorbia, toothed spurge, toothedleaf poinsettia, green poinsettia, dentate spurge
Fra: euphorbe à feuilles dentées
Swe: tandtörel
En: Toothed spurge, Toothed euphorbia, Toothedleaf poinsettia, Green poinsettia, Dentate spurge
Da: Tand-vortemælk
Fr: Euphorbe à feuilles dentées, Euphorbe dentée
Sv: Tandtörel

Synonyms

• Euphorbia fontanesii (Steud.)
• Euphorbia herronii (Riddell)
• Poinsettia dentata ((Michx.) Klotzsch & Garcke)
• Euphorbia aureocincta (Croizat)
• Euphorbia purpureomaculata (T.J.Feng & J.X.Huang)
• Anisophyllum dentatum ((Michx.) Haw.)
• Euphorbia dentata var. rigida (Engelm.)
• Euphorbia dentata var. linearis (Engelm. ex Boiss.)

Distribution

• Arkansas (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Ross Kat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Ross Kat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Casey Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by BP (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3066993)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30169241-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia dentata Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth