Euphorbia lathyris
caper spurge
An upright biennial, to 1.2m in height, with narrow, lance-shaped dark-green leaves to 15cm long, held in regimented horizontal pairs on unbranched stems. Small yellow-green flowers to 4mm in diameter, are borne from late spring into summer and are followed by caper-like, green seeds held in clusters of three, ripening to brown
Other common names
caper bushcaper plant
see moreeuphorbia-oil plant
mole plant
mole tree
myrtle spurge
spring wort
wild caper
Synonyms
Euphorbia crucifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate moist soils and shady conditions. Readily self-seeds so may have the potential to become a nuisance; remove flowers as they fade to limit spread. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.