June 2007
Ohio Prairie Plant of the MonthSpecies
Common Name Flowering Spurge
Latin Name: Euphorbia corollata [Pronounced: "yoo-FORB-ee-ah core-oh-LATE-ah"]
Type of Plant: Forb
Identification Helps: A generally flat-topped plant, 3 ft or taller, with small white "flowers" (which are really petal-like bracts). Looks somewhat like the babies' breath garden flower. Has a milky sap (which can be irritating to skin).
Similar Species: None on the prairie.
Preferred Growing Conditions in the Wild: Prefers loose, sandy, or dry soils.
Seasons of Growth and Bloom: Blooms from late June through October.
Natural Distribution in Ohio: Found throughout Ohio on sandy or loamy prairies. Seldom or never on clay.
Description and General Information: Euphorbia collorata is a particularly beautiful prairie plant. It would make a very fine garden plant. In October it turns markedly red and orange.
The plant is poisonous to most wildlife, although prairie chickens are said to consume it.