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Mediterranean spurge
ExplorePlants
Mediterranean spurge
Euphorbia characias
Mediterranean spurge is a bright green plant with unique yellow flowers. It grows in sunny places and can be found in gardens and wild areas. Its thick leaves help it stay healthy in warm weather.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Mediterranean spurge has sturdy, upright stems densely covered in spirally arranged, narrow blue-green leaves. Its most striking feature is the large, rounded clusters of bright chartreuse-yellow bracts, which appear like giant lime-green flowers in late winter and spring.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It can thrive in tough, rocky soils where other plants struggle.
Its scientific name honors a Greek physician from ancient times.
Some ants love to carry its seeds to their nests for a tasty treat!
The bright "flowers" are actually special leaves called bracts!
Special abilities
Ability
Sap Shield
Mediterranean spurge has a milky, sticky sap that oozes out when cut, helping it defend against hungry herbivores who find it irritating.
Ability
Drought Defender
Mediterranean spurge has thick, leathery leaves and stems that can store water, helping it survive long, dry periods in its sunny Mediterranean home.
Ability
Evergreen Power
Mediterranean spurge keeps its leaves all year long, allowing it to photosynthesize and grow even during the cooler months.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-120 cm
- Spread
- 60-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to late spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Drinks nectar from its tiny flowers.
eaten by
Spurge hawkmoth
Hyles euphorbiae
Its caterpillars feed on spurge leaves.
symbiotic with
Wood ant
Formica rufa
Ants carry seeds for a fatty appendage, aiding dispersal.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't touch the sap, as it can irritate your skin. Always look but don't touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Mediterranean spurge?
60-120 cm
How wide does Mediterranean spurge spread?
60-90 cm
How big are the flowers on Mediterranean spurge?
0.5-1 cm
When does Mediterranean spurge bloom?
Late winter to late spring
Is Mediterranean spurge edible?
No
Is Mediterranean spurge toxic?
Moderate
What is Mediterranean spurge's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Mediterranean spurge pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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