When does Euphorbia hypericifolia bloom?

It typically flowers from June through September, producing small white blooms over a long summer season.

What pollinators visit Euphorbia hypericifolia?

Bees and butterflies regularly visit the small flowers for nectar throughout the blooming period.

How much water does Euphorbia hypericifolia need?

It grows best with medium moisture but tolerates drier soil once established, making it fairly forgiving in hot summer climates.

What light conditions suit Euphorbia hypericifolia?

Full sun brings on the fullest growth and best flowering, though it can adapt to a few hours of light shade.

Is Chickenweed toxic to dogs?

Yes. Chickenweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Chickenweed toxic to cats?

Yes. Chickenweed is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Chickenweed HOA-friendly?

Chickenweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Chickenweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Euphorbia hypericifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Euphorbia hypericifolia is a low, bushy forb that blooms from June through September, offering tiny white flowers popular with bees and butterflies across the Gulf Coast and southeastern states.

Chickenweed (Euphorbia hypericifolia) — Photo: (c) Duarte Frade, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Chickenweed is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Chickenweed is a small annual wildflower that forms low, spreading mats of tiny green leaves with delicate white flowers. It blooms continuously through the summer months and naturally reseeds itself for the following year. This native ground cover thrives in full sun with moderate watering.

Growing Chickenweed

Grow Chickenweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Chickenweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die back
Small size and informal appearance can look weedy
Self-seeding habit may appear uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

When does Euphorbia hypericifolia bloom?: It typically flowers from June through September, producing small white blooms over a long summer season.
What pollinators visit Euphorbia hypericifolia?: Bees and butterflies regularly visit the small flowers for nectar throughout the blooming period.
How much water does Euphorbia hypericifolia need?: It grows best with medium moisture but tolerates drier soil once established, making it fairly forgiving in hot summer climates.
What light conditions suit Euphorbia hypericifolia?: Full sun brings on the fullest growth and best flowering, though it can adapt to a few hours of light shade.
Is Chickenweed toxic to dogs?: Yes. Chickenweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Chickenweed toxic to cats?: Yes. Chickenweed is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Chickenweed HOA-friendly?: Chickenweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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