Euphorbia crenulata

Euphorbia crenulata is a species of spurge native to the western United States, especially California and Oregon. Its common name is beetle spurge. It blooms between May and August.

Description

Its leaves vary in shape and size but they often curve up and come together to form a bowl shape. The small fruits are green, fleshy, and lobed. The flower has two distinct horns.

Phylogeny and Taxonomy

According to the Catalogue of Life, there are 2,129 accepted species within Euphorbia. E. crenulata belongs to Euphorbia sect. Tithymalus along with 31 other species, including the petty spurge. E. crenulata closely resembles the European E. peplus. They differ only in seed pitting characteristics and lower leaf petioles.