![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/2UG0eGaj7PGhsTTEvRX4PF/2bdffea3d130daa12cf9aebe58fa408a/sun_spurge_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Sun spurge
Euphorbia helioscopia
Importance
A widespread weed, especially in wetter areas and in horticulture.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/25gBaWYumzH9f3NjXQ1lXZ/8cf3d8367cc700df8ee3912f6783b90d/sun_spurge_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. Cotyledons short stalked and frequently with a brownish blotch or streak in the middle.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/5FeFKfzaUGXOjrtZIcnslW/5568444755a64e1bd778020094751404/sun_spurge_02.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. First true leaves are oval and light green, usually with a dark blotch.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/21gah3dalnzlgQSzcaAKs4/6ba8e9aa86f998f92a0bb43a8a69ecbf/sun_spurge_03.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
3. An upright typically spring-germinating annual with small pale yellow 'flowers' in a cup shaped leaf-like structure resembling a caper when unopened.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)