Mexican Fireplant
Euphorbia heterophylla
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- Euphorbia heterophylla
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Succulent
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Castor semi-looper (Achaea janata), Ello Sphinx (Erinnyis ello), Episimus argutana, Giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia), Sprague's pygarctia moth (Pygarctia spraguei)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers disturbed areas and open fields