Species of the Month: August 2025
Petty Spurge Euphorbia peplus
Petty Spurge is a small green flowered plant which can be found in cultivated habitats such as gardens, waste land and even in paving cracks (as shown on the right).
The plant grows up to 20cm tall and is quite bushy in formation, with the stem forming several branches. The stem is often red and the flowers are green, superficially resembling new leaves.
The species may be confused with other Spurges, particularly the similarly sized Sun Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia, but the red stem and flower shape will confirm the species. Feel free to email info@sewbrec.org.uk if you need assistance confirming identification.
This vibrant species is common and widespread throughout the SEWBReC area; view a 1km distribution map here.
You can find more image and information about Petty Spurge from Wildflower Finder and NatureSpot. You can view Wales-wide distribution map here.
Petty Spurge often hosts a rust fungus called Melampsora euphorbiae, which shows up as orange spots on the leaves and stems (shown below). Please also record this if you happen to spot it on Petty Spurge - we only have 42 records in Wales though it is likely widespread. You can find more information on Melampsora euphorbiae on NatureSpot and see a Wales-wide distribution map here.
If you spot Petty Spurge (and its rust) during August (or at any other time of year) please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.
