Spotted spurge is a common weed in gardens and pavement cracks. While not typically deadly to humans, contact can cause significant irritation. Understanding its characteristics and effects helps safe management.
Identifying Spotted Spurge
Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) grows prostrate and mat-forming, low to the ground. Its small, oval leaves (under half an inch long) have a distinctive reddish-purple center spot, giving it its common name. Stems are slender, often reddish, and hairy.
Breaking a stem or leaf releases a milky white sap, known as latex. This sap is a key identifying feature of the Euphorbia genus. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions, frequently growing in disturbed soil, garden beds, along pathways, and sidewalk cracks.
Toxicity to Humans
Spotted spurge’s toxicity stems from the milky white latex in its stems and leaves. The sap contains irritant compounds like diterpene esters. These are not systemic poisons; they act as irritants upon direct contact.
Contact with the sap on skin, eyes, or mucous membranes triggers an inflammatory response. Ingesting the plant, even in small amounts, can irritate the digestive tract. The plant’s unpleasant taste generally deters significant ingestion, limiting the severity of internal exposure.
Symptoms of Exposure
The milky sap causes various irritating symptoms. Skin contact often causes dermatitis, with redness, itching, and swelling. For sensitive individuals or with prolonged exposure, more severe reactions like blistering or a rash resembling poison ivy may develop.
If the sap enters the eyes, it causes immediate, intense irritation. Symptoms include redness, burning, pain, and blurred vision. This can temporarily impair sight.
Ingestion, though uncommon in large quantities, can irritate the mouth and throat. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Diarrhea may also occur, resolving once irritants are expelled.
First Aid and When to Seek Medical Help
For skin contact with spotted spurge sap, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. This removes irritant compounds. For eye exposure, flush eyes with copious clean water for 15 to 20 minutes, holding eyelids open for irrigation.
If ingested, rinse the mouth immediately and drink small amounts of water to help dilute any remaining sap. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsen. Contact poison control or emergency services, especially if a significant amount is consumed or breathing difficulties arise.
Safe Handling and Prevention
When handling or removing spotted spurge from your garden, wear protective gear. This includes durable gardening gloves and long-sleeved shirts to prevent skin contact with the sap. Eye protection, such as safety glasses, is also recommended against accidental sap splashes.
After handling the plant, avoid touching your face or eyes until hands are thoroughly washed. Dispose of removed plants in a sealed bag to prevent seed spread and sap contact. Educating children and pets to avoid unknown plants can further reduce accidental exposure.