map
Caper Spurge, Euphorbia lathyris Family: Euphorbiaceae
Caper Spurge
Euphorbia lathyris


Flowering time: June-July. Biennial

Rare native in open woodland on basic soils in S England. Also found on roadsides, arable and waste ground as garden escape or relic of cultivation

An erect, hairless plant, the flowering umbels with 2-6 main rays and bright-green pointed bracts followed by smooth seed capsules with brown or grey seeds. The greenish-grey waxy leaves are opposite, un-toothed and un-stalked. Height to 1.5m. Poisonous.


Caper Spurge, Euphorbia lathyris     Caper Spurge, Euphorbia lathyris

Caper Spurge, Euphorbia lathyris
Caper Spurge, Euphorbia lathyris
August 2008

All images used are copyright. Please contact me if you find errors.