Virginia Copperleaf

Euphorbiaceae

LIFE FORM: Summer annual

NATIVITY: Eastern North America

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Erect, partially hairy stems can grow up to 2 feet tall; leaves are alternate, glossy with marginal teeth and develop distinct copper color especially in sunny sites.

FLOWERS:

Inconspicuous green flowers in the leaf axils; female flowers are surrounded by conspicuous green bracts that are deeply lobed; blooms June-October.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Seeds germinate late spring when temperatures warm up.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

not available

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Disturbance-adapted colonizer.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This small plant is common along the edges of sidewalks.