Annual mercury
Mercurialis annua
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A short herb. It is usually without hairs. The stems branch from the base. The leaves are opposite and oval or sword shaped. They have short stalks and have teeth along the edge. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The male flowers are in upright stalked spikes. They are green. The female flowers are few and in small clusters at the side. They are 3-4 mm wide. The fruit have lobes and are 2-3 mm long. They have bristles.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows on cultivated land and grassy hills and amongst rocks. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Chile, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Slovenia, South America, Spain, St Helena, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
CAUTION: It is poisonous unless treated. It is boiled to remove the poison then eaten. It is used in soups.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Enoletni golšec, Hourrigua lmalsa, Resulja, Yer feslegeni