Chamaesyce maculata (prostrate spurge, creeping spurge, matweed, milk purslane, spotted sandmat)
description: summer annual
place of origin: eastern North America
urban habitat: drought-tolerant plant that grows well in disturbed sites in full sun; common in areas of compacted soil, in pavement openings and cracks, vacant lots, rubble dumps, trampled lawns, neglected ornamental landscapes, vegetable gardens, rock outcrops, and stone walls.
ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer of bare ground.
history: Native Americans used Chamaesyce maculata for a variety of medicinal purposes, as a blood purifier, antiseptic, to treat urinary problems, toothaches, gonorrhea, and eye and skin problems. The Cherokee used a decoction of the plant to treat cancer The plant is toxic to livestock and its milky sap can irritate human skin.
SITES:
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/DC/thumbs/uncult12.08.12_7888.jpg)
description: summer annual
place of origin: eastern North America
urban habitat: drought-tolerant plant that grows well in disturbed sites in full sun; common in areas of compacted soil, in pavement openings and cracks, vacant lots, rubble dumps, trampled lawns, neglected ornamental landscapes, vegetable gardens, rock outcrops, and stone walls.
ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer of bare ground.
history: Native Americans used Chamaesyce maculata for a variety of medicinal purposes, as a blood purifier, antiseptic, to treat urinary problems, toothaches, gonorrhea, and eye and skin problems. The Cherokee used a decoction of the plant to treat cancer The plant is toxic to livestock and its milky sap can irritate human skin.
SITES:
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/mobile/thumbs/uncult10.07.22_2084.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/mobile/thumbs/uncult11.05.22_8931.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/mobile/thumbs/uncult11.07.22_0234.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/neworleans/thumbs/uncult_NO11.08.03_1936.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/neworleans/thumbs/uncult_NO11.08.03_2123.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/mobile/thumbs/uncult11.08.26_2359.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/DC/thumbs/uncult12.10.14_8247.jpg)
![](http://www.umbc.edu/cazabon/DC/thumbs/uncult12.08.12_7888.jpg)