Euphorbia lathyris, commonly known as caper spurge or paper spurge, is a biennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas particularly in southern Europe, but also in northwest Africa, and from Pakistan to China. It can grow up to 5 feet tall with a vertical, unbranched form. The glaucous blue-green stems and leaves are a distinctive feature, and the plant produces small, inconspicuous green to yellow-green flowers in the spring and summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but the plant is known for its interesting architectural form and the seeds that ripen to brown or grey.

Caper spurge is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it a unique addition to xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens. It is often used as an ornamental plant in borders or as a statement piece. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal water once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant contain a toxic latex sap that can cause skin irritation and should not be ingested. Euphorbia lathyris can become invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0