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Annual Biennial

Euphorbia helioscopia

sun spurge

A native, annual, deciduous weed producing upright stems, approximately 30-45cm 12-16in) high, branching towards the top, wth green, oval leaves and terminal clusters of small, insignificant yellow-green flowers from mid-spring to summer. The plant commonly occurs on cultivated fields, garden borders, allotments and waste ground, where seed can remain viable for a number of years, before being brought to the surface by digging or soil disturbance, where they will then germinate.

Other common names

cat's milk
churn staff
see morelittle good
little goody
mad woman's milk
mare's milk
mouse milk
wart grass
wartwort

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

1 year

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moist, but well-drained soil, or dry soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove plants after flowering in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases

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