Chamaesyce maculata (prostrate spurge, creeping spurge, matweed, milk purslane, spotted sandmat)
description: summer annual
place of origin: eastern North America
urban habitat: drought-tolerant plant that grows well in disturbed sites in full sun; common in areas of compacted soil, in pavement openings and cracks, vacant lots, rubble dumps, trampled lawns, neglected ornamental landscapes, vegetable gardens, rock outcrops, and stone walls.
ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer of bare ground.
history: Native Americans used Chamaesyce maculata for a variety of medicinal purposes, as a blood purifier, antiseptic, to treat urinary problems, toothaches, gonorrhea, and eye and skin problems. The Cherokee used a decoction of the plant to treat cancer The plant is toxic to livestock and its milky sap can irritate human skin.
SITES:
description: summer annual
place of origin: eastern North America
urban habitat: drought-tolerant plant that grows well in disturbed sites in full sun; common in areas of compacted soil, in pavement openings and cracks, vacant lots, rubble dumps, trampled lawns, neglected ornamental landscapes, vegetable gardens, rock outcrops, and stone walls.
ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer of bare ground.
history: Native Americans used Chamaesyce maculata for a variety of medicinal purposes, as a blood purifier, antiseptic, to treat urinary problems, toothaches, gonorrhea, and eye and skin problems. The Cherokee used a decoction of the plant to treat cancer The plant is toxic to livestock and its milky sap can irritate human skin.
SITES: