Euphorbia lathyris

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iSpurge
Euphorbia Lathyris
Euphorbia Lathyris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species
  • Euphorbia Lathyris

Contents

[edit] Other Names

Caper Spurge, Gopher Spurge, Gopher Plant, Mole Plant

[edit] Description

Euphorbia lathyrus is a weed that is often used as an ornamental plant and also to protect a garden from gophers. Some people have had great success planting caper spurges in their gardens while others found that gophers will eat other plants only a few feet away while completely ignoring the spurges. All parts of the plant, including the seeds and roots are poisonous. Handling may may cause skin irritation as the plant produces latex. While poisonous to humans and most livestock, goats seem to enjoy eating it and are immune to the toxin. However, the toxin can be passed through the goat's milk. The seeds of this plant grow in green clusters of three seeds. When they ripen, they dry out and turn brown.

[edit] Height

Caper spurges can grow up to 48 inches (1.219 meters) tall.

[edit] Regions

USDA Zones 5-9

[edit] Sun Exposure

Partial Shade to Full Sun

[edit] External links

In other languages