What common summer annual weed is characterized by its prostrate and spreading growth habit, producing white milky sap?

The common summer annual weed characterized by a prostrate and spreading growth habit, along with the production of white milky sap, is prostate spurge. This weed tends to grow low to the ground and can create dense mats, making it competitive with desirable plants. The presence of white milky sap is a distinguishing feature that helps in identifying this particular species. Identifying weeds accurately is crucial for effective management in ornamental and turf settings, as it allows for the implementation of targeted control measures tailored to specific weed characteristics. Other weeds listed, such as large crabgrass and goosegrass, have different growth habits and sap characteristics, making them distinct from prostate spurge. Bittercress, while also a weed, does not typically exhibit the same sprawling growth and milky sap. Understanding these traits enables turf managers and supervisors to apply the correct strategies for keeping landscapes healthy and weed-free.