Euphorbia helioscopia aka Madwoman's Milk

Taxonomy

Euphorbia helioscopia, commonly known as sun spurge or madwoman's milk, is a herbaceous annual plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It can be found in most of Europe, northern Africa, and across most of Asia. This native weed grows upright stems, reaching heights of approximately 30-45cm (12-16in), with branching towards the top. It has oval green leaves and produces small, insignificant yellow-green flowers in terminal clusters from mid-spring to summer. Other folk names for this plant include wart spurge, summer spurge, umbrella milkweed, and wolf's-milk. Sun spurge thrives in arable land, cultivated fields, garden borders, allotments, and waste ground. Its seeds can remain viable for years and are often brought to the surface through digging or soil disturbance, where they germinate. The plant is an annual, deciduous species that grows best in well-drained soil with a preference for dry or moist conditions. It cannot tolerate shade. It is important to note that Euphorbia helioscopia may be poisonous. To control its growth, surface cultivations in spring and tillage associated with root crops can be effective in keeping it in check. Preventing seeding is crucial in managing this plant.

Common names

Madwoman's Milk, Sun Spurge, Wolf's Milk

How to care for Madwoman's Milk

Difficulty

Madwoman's Milk is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Madwoman's Milk does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Madwoman's Milk, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Madwoman's Milk requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Madwoman's Milk will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Madwoman's Milk to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Madwoman's Milk enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Madwoman's Milk is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Madwoman's Milk’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia