Euphorbia lathyris
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Euphorbia Lathyris
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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