XTithymalus montanus - Rocky Mountain SpurgeX
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Rocky Mountain Spurge -or- Horned Spurge -or- Shorthorned Spurge (Tithymalus montanus), family Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Also known, more commonly, as Euphorbia brachycera
William Weber (Colorado Flora Eastern Slope) calls the genus Euphorbia a 'wastebasket genus'. Wikipedia numbers the species in Euphorbia (one of the most diverse genera in the plant kingdom, maybe exceeded only by Senecio) at 2160 - USDA says 96. The plants are perennial herbs. These plants exude a milky sap that is toxic (it contains latex) and will irritate the skin.
CAUTIONS: Per WIKIPEDIA: Spurges should be handled with caution. Latex coming in contact with the skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Partially or completely congealed latex is often no longer soluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsion (milk, hand-cream). A physician should be consulted regarding any inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially the eyes, as severe eye damage including possible permanent blindness may result from acute exposure to the sap. It has been noticed, when cutting large succulent spurges in a greenhouse, that vapours from the latex spread and can cause severe irritation to the eyes and air passages several metres away. Precautions, including sufficient ventilation, are required. Small children and domestic pets should be kept from contact with spurges.
USES:From the excellent website Native American Ethnobotany are the following interesting uses of this species by Native American tribes: Navajo, Ramah Poultice of root applied to hard areas of "caked breast." Root tasted, rubbed on the clothing so that opponents smell it and used for good luck in gambling. Navajo - Compound infusion of plants taken for purging. Plant rubbed as a liniment or poultice of plant applied to boils and pimples. Navajo, Kayenta - Plant used for injuries and pain. Plant used for bewitchment.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the popular 'Christmas Plants' are members of this family. We show a young example of Tithymalus montanus here. See the beautiful Snow On the Mountain (same plant family) here.Flower
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Plant location: Seen in Boulder Colorado, 28th St and Vineyard Place. This early bloomer was photographed on April 19, 2009.Plant
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Bloom season: Per Guennel this blooms from May through July, can be found in bloom as early as March. Foliage
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