Euphorbia nutans aka Eyebane

Euphorbia nutans, or nodding spurge, is in the spurge family. It is an annual or a short-lived perennial herb. Its native range spans southeastern Canada and Central America. It includes the eastern and central United States. The Caribbean, Colombia, and Venezuela also lie in its native range. It has spread to other parts of the world. It grows by roads, railways, streams, and rivers. It also grows on disturbed ground, in gardens, and in lawns.

The plant has an open shape with drooping branch tips. Its name refers to this nodding growth. Lower stems stand upright. Upper branches spread out. The round stems often have a pink or red tint. Fine hairs cover young stems. Older stems grow smooth. Green leaves grow in pairs, each across from the other. Their bases are uneven. Some have a red patch on top and look paler beneath. Leaves range from oval to oblong. Their edges may have coarse teeth or stay smooth. Young leaves have fine, curled hairs that fade with age. Broken leaves and stems give off white, milky sap.

Small groups of flowers form at branch tips from June to October. Each cup-shaped cyathium holds male and female flowers. These flower groups show green, pink, and white tones. Bees, flies, and wasps visit them for nectar. The fruit forms a small capsule with three parts. Each part holds one seed. The capsule may turn reddish. Brown seeds range from oval to oblong and have wavy surfaces. Mourning doves eat the seeds. Wild turkeys eat the leaves.

Nodding spurge grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It copes with sand, drought, humidity, and a broad soil pH range. Wet ground and too much water can cause root rot. It grows at a moderate rate and needs little care. Plants can grow from stem cuttings and set new plants from seed with ease. The listed USDA range is zones 3–11, but frost kills the plants. Native gardens, meadows, and lawns are possible sites. Take its weed habit and self-seeding into account. Reports note no serious insect or disease problems apart from rot in wet sites.

The sap has toxic diterpene esters and can inflame skin. Sap in the eyes can harm the cornea. This harm can last for good. Eating plant parts can cause blisters on the lips and mouth. Keep plants away from children and pets. Wear gloves when you handle them. Most mammals avoid the plant due to its toxic sap. Records note its use as medicine and poison, not as food.