162. Petty Spurge

Petty Spurge is an introduced annual weed that is common at Leaning Oaks in cultivated areas, disturbed sites and gravelled paths.  This plant (Euphorbia peplus) has a number of common names including Milkweed (which is terribly confusing since another genus entirely is also called Milkweed) and Cancer Weed.  The name Cancer Weed is because the toxins in the milkly sap of this plant have an ingredient that has been shown to slow rapidly dividing cells down, and it has been used to treat cancerous lesions. 
The milky sap is also very bitter, and the plant doesn't seem to be consumed by either deer or rabbits here.  Fortunately it is rather easily pulled or hoed out of the ground.

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