Common Name:

tread-softly; finger-rot

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Cnidoscolus stimulosus

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Form:

flower

Size:

1 (3) ft tall by 0.5-1 ft wide 

Life Span:

long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

Phenology:

winter dormant; blooms spring-summer

Noted For:

Recommended Uses:

wildflower garden

Considerations:

While this plant has interesting foliage and white flowers, it also has stinging hairs. Weeding around this species, transplanting it, or walking on it is unpleasant unless gloves are worn.

Availability:

Propagation:

seed

Light:

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11

Wildlife:

Native Habitats:

Disturbed dry areas, scrub and scrubby flatwoods, sandhill

Natural Range in Florida:

Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Perhaps best left to wildflower enthusiasts out to prove that they can tolerate the pain of growing it!