Wild Poinsettia (Euphorbia cyathophora):
•Status in Florida: Native
•Native Habitat: Disturbed sites, roadsides, coastal dunes, open woodlands
•Native State/Country: Southeastern United States, Central America, South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean
•Growing Zones: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
•Size at Maturity: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
•Phenology: Deciduous
•Life Cycle: Annual (can behave as a short-lived perennial in some zones)
•Growth Rate: Fast
•Growth Habit: Upright, Sprawling
•Bloom Season: Summer, Fall
•Sunlight Requirements: Full, Part
•Soil Texture: Sand, Loam, Adaptable
•Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral
•Moisture Requirements: Dry to Average
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Moderate
•Keystone Plant: No
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Requires little maintenance; can reseed prolifically; deadheading can prevent aggressive spreading
•Considerations: Can self-seed and become weedy in some areas
•Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
•Erosion Control: Yes
•Nitrogen Fixing: No
•Edible: Toxic (the milky sap is an irritant)
•Pet Safe: No (Toxic to pets if ingested)
•Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
•Historical Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used as a poultice for wounds and skin conditions, though the sap can be irritating
•Florida Native Companion Plant (matching growing conditions): Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella), Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts butterflies and bees
•Caterpillar Host Plant: No
•Propagation: Seed
•Length of Time Seed is Viable: 1 to 2 years
•Best Month to Start Seeds: Spring
•Seed Treatments: No special treatment needed, though scarification may help with older seeds