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(Euphorbia characias)
Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias)
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A. Barra
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
A. Barra
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: A. Barra | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: Cillas | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Euphorbia_characias_RJB.jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Euphorbia characias, commonly known as Mediterranean Spurge or Albanian Spurge, is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in open woodlands, rocky hillsides, and scrub areas where it contributes to the biodiversity of the Mediterranean maquis and garrigue ecosystems. This species typically grows to 1.2 meters (3 feet 11 inches) in both height and width, featuring many woolly stems and distinctive foliage. The leaves are narrow, blue-green, and arranged in a spiral around the stem. The flowers, which are actually specialized structures called cyathia, appear in dense spherical clusters from spring to early summer. They exhibit black or dark brown nectar glands and are highly attractive to pollinators. The fruits are smooth, three-lobed capsules.
Mediterranean Spurge is appreciated for its architectural form, drought tolerance, and the textural contrast it provides in gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, coastal plantings, and as a ground cover or border plant. Its resilience makes it a suitable choice for urban environments and xeriscaping. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F), but in colder climates, it should be protected from harsh winter conditions. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as its sap can cause skin irritation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mediterranean Spurge is appreciated for its architectural form, drought tolerance, and the textural contrast it provides in gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, coastal plantings, and as a ground cover or border plant. Its resilience makes it a suitable choice for urban environments and xeriscaping. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F), but in colder climates, it should be protected from harsh winter conditions. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as its sap can cause skin irritation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green
- Flowering Season: Summer, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, rocky hillsides, and scrub areas in the Mediterranean region
Other Names
Common Names: Mediterranean Spurge, Palisaden-Wolfsmilch, Caracias, Lechetrezna Encarnada, Lechetrezna Macho, Euforbia Encarnada, Euforbia Macho, Hierba Topera, Euphorbe Characias, Zuiderse Wolfsmelk
Scientific Names: , Euphorbia characias, Esula characias, Euphorbia cuetrecasii, Tithymalus characias,
GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia characias L.