Sea Spurge
ExplorePlants
Sea Spurge
Euphorbia paralias
Sea Spurge is a special plant that grows near the beach. It has thick, green leaves and can help protect sand dunes from washing away. It loves sunny places and is very strong against wind and salt!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Sea Spurge has a compact, dome-shaped form with dense, blue-green, succulent-like leaves. Its small, yellowish-green 'flowers' are actually modified bracts, making it distinct among coastal plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its tiny 'flowers' are special cups, called cyathia, holding many even tinier male and female flowers!
Sea Spurge seeds can float on ocean currents, helping them spread to new beaches far away.
The milky sap, called latex, was historically used in some cultures to remove warts!
This tough plant can grow even when partially buried by sand, reaching upwards for sunlight.
Special abilities
Ability
Waterproof Armor
Sea Spurge has thick, waxy leaves that help it retain precious water in dry, salty coastal environments.
Ability
Chemical Shield
Sea Spurge produces a milky, toxic sap that helps it defend against hungry animals trying to eat its leaves.
Ability
Deep Anchor
Sea Spurge has a strong taproot that helps it stay firmly anchored in shifting sands and reach deep water.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-70 cm
- Spread
- 30-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
visits its tiny cyathia for nectar.
eats
Sea Spurge Moth
Scythris fallacella
larvae feed on its leaves and stems.
depends on
European Red Ant
Myrmica rubra
disperses its seeds for a fatty reward.
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.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
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 plant's milky sap, as it can be irritating to the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Sea Spurge?
30-70 cm
How wide does Sea Spurge spread?
30-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Sea Spurge?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does Sea Spurge bloom?
Summer-fall
Is Sea Spurge edible?
No
Is Sea Spurge toxic?
Moderate
What is Sea Spurge's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Sea Spurge pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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