Euphorbiaceae

Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Wendy B. Zomlefer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Michael G. Andreu and Melissa H. Friedman

This poisonous tree is native to southern Florida, the Keys, many of the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Central America. Though it is poisonous to humans and many animals, iguanas eat the fruit and sometimes live among the tree’s limbs. It’s found along the seacoasts and in brackish swamps where it grows among mangroves. Each leaf has a small gland where the leaf joins the stem. The bark is reddish-to-grayish brown and cracked looking. Flowers inconspicuous, but the spike

Patrick J. Minogue

Tung tree seed produce an oil that is valuable in wood finishing and for various other uses. Development of a later-flowering tung tree cultivar has sparked renewed interest in tung seed as a potential alternative crop for northern and central Florida on sites having relatively well-drained, fertile soils and adequate moisture. This fact sheet presents a history of tung oil production in Florida and provides the ecology and cultivation of the fast-growing trees. It outlines a plan for additional research to determine whether tung oil could again be produced in Florida.

Melissa H. Friedman, Michael G. Andreu, Heather V. Quintana, and Mary McKenzie

This document provides an overview of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), detailing its characteristics, uses, and potential hazards. It describes the plant’s growth habits, physical features, and its classification as an invasive species in Florida. The article also highlights the plant’s allergenic properties and the toxicity of its seeds, which contain ricin. Additionally, it outlines the commercial, horticultural, and medicinal applications of castor oil derived from the seeds, emphasizing the importance of careful handling due to the plant’s toxic nature. Original publication date May 2010.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Snowbush is an evergreen shrub with attractive foliage that is white, green, red, pink, or variegated in coloration. This plant is well-suited in a container, as a specimen, or as a hedge.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Salvia bahamensis, commonly known as Maidenbush. It describes the plant as a large, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. The leaves are leathery and dark green, with small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in the spring. Maidenbush is well-suited for use as a hedge or screen due to its dense foliage. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. The document also includes information on propagation and maintenance, noting that Maidenbush is relatively pest and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance option for landscapes. Original publication date October, 1999.

Theresa Chormanski, Chris Marble, and Lyn Gettys

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Copperleaf is a fast-growing shrub that provides a continuous splash of color in the landscape. It is available in varying mottled color combinations depending upon cultivar type. It is well-suited to use as an accent in mixed shrubbery borders, or as a hedge or screen.

Maria A. Rodriguez andChris Marble

Euphorbia maculata is a summer annual weed characterized by its freely branched, prostate stems that do not root at the nodes. Spotted spurge reproduces by seed and has a rapid growth rate, allowing it to establish quickly in a wide range of environments including landscape planting beds, turfgrass, container and field nurseries, and many other agricultural settings. This publication is intended for use by nursery and landscape professionals, home gardeners, landowners, Master Gardener Volunteers, Extension agents, and others to aid in the identification and management of spotted spurge in ornamental crop production and in landscapes.