For all eye exposures rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes and then seek urgent medical attention. Seek medical attention if ingestion causes any symptoms.
Description
A small annual herb up to 40cm high, comprising a main central stem with branching towards the base. A common weed around buildings, gardens and disturbed areas.
The flowers (cyathia) are small and insignificant; yellowish-green in colour, held in leafy bunches.
The thin, soft leaves are oval, rounded to obovate, pale green in colour, 4-25mm long and 4-17mm wide.
Toxicity
Symptoms
Skin contact with sap can cause intense pain and blistering. Eye contact may cause intense pain and severe swelling. Ingestion may result in severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Images
Details
Common name: Petty spurge
Botanical name: Euphorbia peplus.
Other common names: Radium plant
Family: Euphorbiaceae
General description: A small annual herb up to 40cm high, comprising a main central stem with branching towards the base. A common weed around buildings, gardens and disturbed areas.
Flowers: The flowers (cyathia) are small and insignificant; yellowish-green in colour, held in leafy bunches.
Leaves: The thin, soft leaves are oval, rounded to obovate, pale green in colour, 4-25mm long and 4-17mm wide.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit is a very small capsule that contains black to dark brown seeds with 3 to 4 pits on one side.
Other: Milky white sap.
Last updated: July 2023