Wood Spurge
(Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
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Daniel Cahen
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Daniel Cahen
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daniel Cahen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Daniel Cahen | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-06-02T14:27:03-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Euphorbia amygdaloides, commonly known as wood spurge, is an evergreen perennial native to a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous forests, forest clearings, and shaded rocky areas across Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus. It typically grows to about 31 inches tall and features dark green, slightly hairy leaves that provide year-round interest. The plant is notable for its complex green-yellow inflorescences, which are actually bracts surrounding the true flowers, appearing in late spring and early summer. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy due to their unique structure and coloration.
Wood spurge is valued for its ability to thrive in dry shade, making it an excellent ground cover under trees where other plants might struggle. It spreads readily via underground rhizomes, which can be both a benefit for coverage and a concern for control. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from clay to loam. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Light conditions can vary from full sun to partial shade, with the plant showing a preference for shadier spots. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as its sap can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Wood spurge is valued for its ability to thrive in dry shade, making it an excellent ground cover under trees where other plants might struggle. It spreads readily via underground rhizomes, which can be both a benefit for coverage and a concern for control. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from clay to loam. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Light conditions can vary from full sun to partial shade, with the plant showing a preference for shadier spots. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as its sap can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1.4-2.5 feet
- Width: 0.75-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous forests, forest clearings, and shaded rocky areas across Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus
Other Names
Common Names: Almond-leaved Spurge , Leafy Spurge
Scientific Names: Euphorbia amygdaloides , Characias amygdaloides , Esula amygdaloides , Euphorbia nemoralis , Tithymalus amygdaloides , Tithymalus amygdaloides
GBIF Accepted Name: