Warning

For all eye exposures to sap, rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes and then seek urgent medical assistance. For all ingestions seek medical attention.

Description

An annual herb to 60cm, often grown as a garden ornamental.

Flowers are insignificant, grouped at the ends of branches, with a number of broad, petal-like, white or green bracts surrounding them.

Opposite leaves are 2.5-7.5cm long and 1-2.5cm wide, green with a white margin forming a border around the leaf edge.

Toxicity

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

The sap is corrosive. Skin contact can cause intense burning and rash, swelling or blisters that can last several days. If sap gets into the eyes, intense pain, swelling and temporary blindness may result.

Images

Snow on the mountain flowers
Photo by Sheldon Navie
Snow on the mountain bush
Photo by Sheldon Navie

Details

Common name: Snow on the mountain

Botanical nameEuphorbia marginata

Other common names: Ghost weed, white-margined spurge

Family: Euphorbiaceae

General description: An annual herb to 60cm, often grown as a garden ornamental.

Flowers: Flowers are insignificant, grouped at the ends of branches, with a number of broad, petal-like, white or green bracts surrounding them.

Leaves: Opposite leaves are 2.5-7.5cm long and 1-2.5cm wide, green with a white margin forming a border around the leaf edge.

Other: Copious milky sap.