Wild Poinsettia, Fire-on-the-Mountain

Euphorbia cyathophora

you-FORB-ee-ah sigh-ayth-OFF-or-ah

Asteraceae

Native to:  Florida native

Florida abundance and distribution:  Throughout

Recognition:  Can grow into a low subshrub to 4’ tall with milky sap.  Leaves 4 -7” long with wavy edges. Top leaves just below flowers with a splash of red.

Easily confused species:   Fiddler’s Spurge (P. heterophylla) has the topmost leaves green, with no splash of red.

Other: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.  Propagate by seed or cuttings, best in full sun and moist soil.  Zones 4b to 11.  Hardy only to 40 °F in  Zone 11. 

Contributed by (including photo): Carolyn Hendry