Euphorbia lathyris
caper spurge
An upright annual/biennial, reaching 1.2m in height, with narrow, lance-shaped dark-green leaves, up to 15cm long, held in regimented horizontal pairs on unbranched stems. Small yellow-green flowers, up to 4mm in diameter, are borne from late spring into summer and are followed by green seeds held in clusters of three, ripening to brown
Other common names
caper bushcaper plant
see moreeuphorbia-oil plant
mole plant
mole tree
myrtle spurge
spring wort
wild caper
Synonyms
Euphorbia crucifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate moist soils and shady conditions. Readily self-seeds so may have the potential to become a nuisance; remove flowers as they fade to limit spread. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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