Plant is an upright or reclining perennial with milky latex sap that flows freely when the plant is cut or bruised. Its preferred habitat is open or wooded disturbed areas; usually in sandy soil or waste places. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

The leaves are of variable size and shape, but are generally narrow to egg-shaped or fiddle-like; several large marginal lobes end in sharp points or may be smooth on some plants; short leaf stalks. The color is bright green above and paler beneath with downy hairs; borne beneath the colorful bracts and flower clusters.

Flowers are about 1/4 inch wide, stalked and conspicuous; ball-like along the stem. Numerous male flowers are clustered around each female, appearing as one. Flowers occur in late summer.

Fruit is a capsule.

The related Christmas Poinsettia, E. pulcherrima, with large red, pink or white bracts is a hybrid of the wild variety. E. dentata occurs in the Midwest, and is know to be gradually spreading eastward.