Rattlesnake Weed
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| Euphorbia albomarginata Torr. & GrayTemplate:Verify source | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Chamaesyce albomarginata |
The Rattlesnake Weed (Euphorbia albomarginata) is a low-growing member of the spurge family native to desert and chaparral habitats of southwestern North America, from southern California to Texas. This species is also known under the name of Whitemargin Sandmat.
Rattlesnake Weed is a common ground cover plant, usually growing less than 1/2 in (13 mm) high, with individual plants covering about a square foot, often growing closely and forming mats of vegetation. The flowers of this plant are tiny and edged in white, with a purplish center. Rattlesnake Weed can be found in open fields, on roadsides, or anywhere where the ground is disturbed, including ornamental gravels in suburban yards, where it is considered as a weed.
The name is derived from its former use as a folk remedy for snakebites (as a poultice or brewed as a tea) - however, this species is not proven to be medically effective in treating rattlesnake venom. Like most spurges, Rattlesnake Weed secretes an acrid, milky sap containing alkaloids poisonous to humans, with emetic and cathartic properties that may be misconstrued as curative.
Other Uses for the Name
This name may also refer to other plants which have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of snakebites.
- Rattlesnake Weed is an alternate name for
- Florida Betony (Stachys floridana), a member of the mint family
- American Wild Carrot (Daucus pusillus), a close relative of the wild carrot
- The similarly named Rattlesnakeweed (Hieracum venosum) is a member of the aster family
References
- Blanchan, Neltje (2002). Wild Flowers: An Aid to Knowledge of our Wild Flowers and their Insect Visitors. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
- Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
External links
- Rattlesnake Weed profile
- Rattlesnake Weed at eNature
