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tree spurge

Euphorbia dendroides

Tree spurge is a unique plant that looks like a small tree! It has thick, green stems and bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring. This plant is special because it can grow in rocky places where other plants might struggle.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The tree spurge is a striking, rounded shrub that often resembles a small tree, boasting a dense crown. Its leaves are spirally arranged, turning vibrant yellow-green during its winter to spring bloom. After flowering, the plant can take on a distinctive umbrella-like shape.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia
tree spurge
flowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badge
tree spurge

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though its sap is irritating, ancient doctors once used it in their remedies!

It loves sunny, rocky hillsides, growing like a mini tree by the sparkling sea!

Its bright yellow 'flowers' are actually colorful leaves called bracts, not true petals!

This clever plant can drop all its leaves to 'sleep' through super hot, dry summers!

Special abilities

Ability

Sap Shield

Tree spurge has a milky, sticky sap that oozes out to defend against hungry nibblers, making them think twice.

Ability

Sun Snooze

It can drop all its leaves in summer to avoid drying out, saving water until cooler weather returns.

Ability

Winter Bloom

Tree spurge blooms in late winter, helping it grab sunshine and pollinators before other plants wake up.

Ability

Rock Hugger

Its strong roots help it cling to rocky slopes, finding tiny cracks for water where other plants can't grow.

Measurements & details

Height
50-200 cm
Spread
50-150 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late_winter-early_spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Honey bees collect nectar and pollen from its early spring flowers.

pollinates

Marmalade Hoverfly

Syrphus ribesii

Hoverflies visit the plant for nectar, aiding in pollen transfer.

shelters

Common Wall Lizard

Podarcis muralis

Lizards often hide in its dense branches for cover and shade.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch the sap, as it can irritate your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is tree spurge?

50-200 cm

How wide does tree spurge spread?

50-150 cm

How big are the flowers on tree spurge?

0.5-1.5 cm

When does tree spurge bloom?

Late_winter-early_spring

Is tree spurge edible?

No

Is tree spurge toxic?

Moderate

What is tree spurge's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is tree spurge pollinated?

Insect

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