Question: This plant is found in open areas; dryer sandier towns of northern Connecticut. It seems to need much sunshine. Its …
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Question
This plant is found in open areas; dryer sandier towns of northern Connecticut. It seems to need much sunshine. Its odd color makes it different than others that also have tiny leaves and creep along the ground. Most landscapers consider it a weed; difficult to remove, although a vinegar and soap spray tends to wither the greens. It tends to grow along the ground putting down new roots as it moves along. We cannot identify it; any ideas?
Answer
Dear bridgetroll, you have photographed a species of Euphorbia (spurge) that belongs to a group of plants called sandmat (formerly placed in the genus Chamaesyce). I can't tell you for certain which species (there are several in the region) without a higher quality image. It is most likely Euphorbia maculata (spotted sandmat), a very common, native species of this group in New England.
