Sheffield's Seed Company

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Stephen James McWilliam

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Growing Info

Scarification: soak in warm water, let stand in water for 12 hours

Stratification: none required

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Other: Germination should take place within 3 months.|Does not transplant well. Sow in place.

Native to: China, Mediterranean Europe

Native

Introduced

Euphorbia lathyrisEuphorbia lathyris

Caper Spurge, Gopher Plant, Gopher Spurge, Moleplant, Paper Spurge

In Stock: 0.28 lb (Total:0.28lb)

Euphorbia lathyris

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Buying options

0.28 lb CA

Details

Germination:

98%

Germination test:

Cut (Full Seed)

Purity:

98%

Seeds per lb:

8,395

Quantity:

0.28 lb

Collected in:

California

Crop year:

2024

Min. hardiness zone:

Item ID:

1834855

Characteristics

Growing Info

Scarification: soak in warm water, let stand in water for 12 hours

Stratification: none required

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Other: Germination should take place within 3 months.|Does not transplant well. Sow in place.

Native to: China, Mediterranean Europe

Native

Introduced

Euphorbia lathyris, known by various names such as Caper Spurge, Gopher Plant, and Moleplant, is an intriguing addition to any garden, admired for its dramatic evergreen form and resilience. Reaching heights of up to 4 feet, this annual or biennial herb showcases strong, upright stems adorned with opposite pairs of narrow, blue-green leaves, providing a striking accent with their linear aesthetic and white ribbing. Although its small, greenish-yellow flowers might be understated, the surrounding leafy bracts add visual interest during its blooming period, from late spring to the end of summer.

Native to regions spanning from Central Asia and the Mediterranean to Europe, Caper Spurge thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant, flourishing in well-drained soil. Gardeners value its ability to self-seed, though this can lead to invasiveness in some areas, necessitating careful management to prevent it from overtaking local flora. Historically revered for its purported ability to ward off moles and gophers, this plant is mostly grown for its ornamental attributes, as its repellant effects remain anecdotal.

Exercise caution when handling, as the plant secretes a milky sap that can irritate skin and eyes, making gloves and protective clothing recommended for safe handling. Though challenges exist, those who welcome Euphorbia lathyris into their gardens find it a captivating and low-maintenance specimen that elevates garden aesthetics with its unique form and foliage.