This biennial has upright unbranched glaucous blue-green stems that form a dense erect habit. It has Blue green narrow lance shaped waxy leaves and the tiny greenish yellow flowers are accompanied by bracts and appear terminally during summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Euphorbia lathyrisnaturally found in southern Europe from France, Italy, Greece and parts of southern England and extends to north-west Africa through to south-west Asia. it grows along woodland margins or in meadows and colonisers disturbed soil. Outside its native habitat it has naturalised in many places including North America where it is regarded as a weed.

It prefers a semi-shaded to sunny open position and grows in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile dry or moist soils with a pH range from 6.1 to 7.8. It is drought and light frost tolerant.

The Caper Spurge is grown ornamentally for its erect habit and attractive foliage. It is planted small or cottage gardens along low borders or used in patio pots or planter boxes. It is suitable of coastal and inland regions and establishes in one season but is short lived.

The plant is more commonly regarded as a weed and is not normally cultivated in domestic gardens as the roots can spread up to 600 mm (2 ft) per day and the seeds germinate readily. ID 3536

Euphorbia(ew-FOR-bee-a) lathyris (lay-THY-ris)

Euphorbiaceae(yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family