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Cnidoscolus stimulosus (Michx.)Engelm. & A.Gray
Tread-softly
Finger Rot
Spurge Nettle
Synonym(s): Cnidoscolus urens (L.) Arthur var. stimulosus (Michx.) Govaerts
Florida native
A common herbaceous plant of sandhills, dry hammocks, beaches, scrub and dry ruderal areas in most of Florida. The range exends through the southeastern coastal stated from Louisiana into Virginia, plus Kentucky.
Tread-softly can grow up to 1m (~3 ft.) tall, but is usually much shorter. The alternate leaves are palmately veined and lobed. Flowers lack petals and have 10 stamens. The five petal-like calyces are white. Fruit is a capsule.
This plant is covered with stiff hairs that inflict a painful sting on contact. The effect can feel very similar to a fire ant bite.
Cnidoscolus stimulosus is a member of the Euphorbiaceae - Spurge family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Jan 17, 2024
