Common three-seeded mercury (Acalypha virginica var. rhomboidea) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

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Common three-seeded mercury

Acalypha virginica var. rhomboidea

Also known as: Ricinelle rhomboide, Diamond threeseed mercury

The common three-seeded mercury is considered a weed and has a wide distribution in the United States everywhere East of the Rocky Mountains. The name of this plant comes from Greek mythology and references the small bracts surrounding the flowers that resemble Mercury’s winged sandals.

6 to 11

Hardiness Zones

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Yellow

Red

Name story

Common three-seeded mercury

This plant is somewhat unusual. It produces a clear juice and unlike other species of the Euphorbiaceae family which produces milky white juice. Its flowers have a hairy tri-locular ovary, and three fringed styles with one seed per locule are produced. It is also a common species of this genus, so it is called common three-seeded mercury.

Symbolism

knowing how to persist in one's effort, growth, swiftness

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Copperleafs

Species

Common three-seeded mercury

Distribution Map

Habitat

Forest, Thickets, Riverbanks, Lake shores, Fields, Fence rows, Vacant lots, Waste areas

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Common three-seeded mercury

Sunlight

Temperature

How much sunlight should Common three-seeded mercury get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Common three-seeded mercury needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

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What type of sunlight does Common three-seeded mercury need?

The Common three-seeded mercury grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Common three-seeded mercury is always exposed to the sun.

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Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Common three-seeded mercury from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Common three-seeded mercury can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Common three-seeded mercury is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Common three-seeded mercury is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

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Should I protect Common three-seeded mercury from sun exposure?

The Common three-seeded mercury does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Common three-seeded mercury in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Common three-seeded mercury gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Common three-seeded mercury does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Common three-seeded mercury indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Common three-seeded mercury need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Common three-seeded mercury is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Common three-seeded mercury need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Common three-seeded mercury needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Common three-seeded mercury is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Common three-seeded mercury?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Common three-seeded mercury to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Common three-seeded mercury receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

What is the optimal temperature for Common three-seeded mercury?

The best temperature for Common three-seeded mercury depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Common three-seeded mercury has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Common three-seeded mercury may be able to survive with some help.

During the warmer parts of the year, Common three-seeded mercury will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Common three-seeded mercury. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Common three-seeded mercury to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!

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Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Common three-seeded mercury

If this is the first year of your Common three-seeded mercury outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Common three-seeded mercury, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Common three-seeded mercury inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage.

It’s also a good idea to plant Common three-seeded mercury in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Common three-seeded mercury should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.

How can I protect Common three-seeded mercury from extreme temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Common three-seeded mercury from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Common three-seeded mercury in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Common three-seeded mercury is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind.

For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Common three-seeded mercury to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Common three-seeded mercury

During the cold winter months, Common three-seeded mercury needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Common three-seeded mercury, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine.

An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Common three-seeded mercury. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Common three-seeded mercury will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.

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Add to My Garden

Common three-seeded mercury

Acalypha virginica var. rhomboidea

Also known as: Ricinelle rhomboide, Diamond threeseed mercury

6 to 11

Hardiness Zones