Euphorbia ocellata
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Family: Euphorbiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Euphorbia ocellata is a native California annual in the Euphorbiaceae family.
Euphorbia ocellata is a California native annual found in low-elevation habitats with prostrate to ascending growth habit. Flowering throughout the spring and early summer, this plant produces tiny cyathia with inconspicuous white or green glands. Growing with repeatedly forking stems that are distinctively two-faced, it spreads low along the ground in delicate branching patterns. Its opposite leaves are small, measuring 4 to 10 millimeters long, with lanceolate to ovate blades that have asymmetric bases and acute tips. The plant produces spheric, lobed fruits approximately 2 to 2.5 millimeters in size, with smooth white seeds.
Habitat and range
California counties: Kern, Amador, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kings, Sacramento, Fresno, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, San Benito, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Tehama, Yolo, Yuba, Butte, Glenn, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Sutter, Tulare, Tuolumne, Inyo
Frequently asked questions
Is Euphorbia ocellata native to California?
Yes. Euphorbia ocellata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Euphorbia ocellata grow?
Euphorbia ocellata occurs in Kern, Amador, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kings, Sacramento, Fresno, Calaveras and other counties.
What plant family does Euphorbia ocellata belong to?
Euphorbia ocellata is in the Euphorbiaceae family, genus Euphorbia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.