Euphorbia helioscopia, commonly known as sun spurge or madwoman’s milk, is an herbaceous annual native to a variety of habitats including open fields, roadsides, and waste areas in Europe, northern Africa, and much of Asia. It typically grows up to 20 inches tall and has a branching habit. The plant produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers surrounded by two to five showy basal bracts that mimic petals, blooming from late spring to early fall. While not showy in the traditional sense, the bracts can add a subtle charm to the plant’s appearance.

Sun spurge is known for its ability to colonize disturbed sites quickly, making it a potential weed in garden settings. However, it can be used in wildflower meadows or naturalistic plantings where its self-seeding nature is not problematic. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Due to its toxic sap, which contains diterpenes and jatrophone-type diterpenoids, caution is advised when handling the plant, as it can cause skin irritation and is poisonous if ingested. Gardeners should be aware of its invasive potential outside its native range and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0