Euphorbia lathyris Seeds | Caper Spurge
LATIN NAME: Euphorbia lathyris
COMMON NAME: Caper Spurge
Plant Profile
Euphorbia lathyris, commonly known as Caper Spurge, is a species in the euphorbia family, native to southern Europe, south Africa and Asia it is a biennial that is classified as extremely toxic to humans and animals if ingested, with a long record in gardens. Caper spurge is a fine, upright, blue-green plant of old gardens and waysides, and its tall, four-angled stems and clusters of small, greenish flowers have made it a familiar of old countryside for a very long time. The whole plant carries the white, milky sap and is best admired and kept out of reach. It is a fine, easy, self-sowing plant of sunny, well-drained garden. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Euphorbia family, Euphorbia lathyris contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Caper spurge has a steady and growing place in plant science, and plant has been studied for its large, oily seeds and its place in old gardens and waysides of the region. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Caper Spurge works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Caper spurge is grown for fine, bold, blue-green stems and curious, pale seeds. Plant is a fine, easy, self-sowing addition to sunny, well-drained garden, and small, greenish-yellow flowers are a food for early bees. White, milky sap can irritate skin, and seeds are not for eating, so plant is best kept out of reach of little ones. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Spurges are superb drought ornamentals with a serious caution: their milky latex is irritant and toxic, the reason ingenol from the genus inspired an approved prescription gel for sun-damaged skin. Handle with gloves and never ingest.
Growing from Seed
Caper Spurge is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Caper Spurge settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
Related Reading
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