Creeping Spurge, Creeping Sandmat, Matted Sandmat

Euphorbia serpens Kunth.

[also called Chamaesyce serpens (Kunth.) Small]

Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)

▲ seedling

▲▼ mature, flowering plants

▲▼ closer view of flowering stems

▲ flower and fruit (seed capsule) close-up

▲ Prostrate Spurge (left), creeping sandmat (right)

Creeping Sandmat: 

·         Has small, oval to almost round leaves with no teeth or purple spots; leaves smaller than most other prostrate-growing spurges

·         Stems are green to pinkish red and do not root at the nodes; no hairs on stems or leaves

·         Capsule is smooth and styles are split ¼ to ½ their length

·         Appears similar to Prostrate Spurge, Spotted Spurge and Spreading Sandmat, but lacks the teeth or spots on the leaves and has no hairs on the stems

·         Flowers are smaller and leaves are more rounded than White-Margined Spurge

·          Has milky sap if stems or leaves are broken