Euphorbia hypericifolia aka Chickenweed

Euphorbia hypericifolia, or graceful spurge, belongs to the spurge family. Its home range spans tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. This includes the southern United States, Central America, and South America. It grows in pine woods, roadsides, and other disturbed ground. Plants may live for one year or persist as perennials. In warm sites, they can keep their leaves year-round.

Branches spread outward or stand upright, forming a loose mound. Garden plants reach about 1.5–1.6 feet [0.45–0.5 m] tall. RHS lists a similar upper limit for their spread. Some accounts describe plants reaching 2 feet [0.6 m] each way. The smooth, round stems can be red. Green leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each leaf has an oval to oblong shape. The stems and leaves hold a milky sap.

Small flowers form branched clusters at the stem tips. White bracts around them provide most of the show. Bloom runs from spring through autumn, ending with frost. Plants need no deadheading to keep this display going. Insects pollinate the flowers. The fruit is a small, gray or silver capsule. Seeds can sprout fast, without a dormant phase. This helps the plant spread through beds and nursery pots.

Give plants full sun and soil that drains well. They also grow in part shade. Afternoon shade suits them in very hot climates. They tolerate poor soil, dry spells, and air pollution. Moist soil suits them, but too much water can kill them. RHS accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. The plant is frost-tender, with an RHS rating of H2. NC State lists USDA zones 10–12 for winter survival. In colder places, gardeners grow it as an annual. Pots can spend winter indoors in a sunny, frost-free spot.

Use graceful spurge at border edges or in rock gardens. It also suits pots, hanging baskets, and sheltered courtyards. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Serious pests and diseases seldom cause trouble. Its fast growth can make it a troublesome weed. It can spread invasively in introduced areas, including Pacific islands. No food uses are known, and swallowing it is harmful. The sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep plants away from children and pets; wear gloves when handling. Traditional medicine uses the leaves, roots, and sap for several ailments. These reported uses do not establish that home treatment is safe.