Euphorbia characias subsp. characias (Mediterranean Spurge)
Michael's Opinion
There are many wonderful variegated forms of this plant for those who garden in more temperate climates than I do such as 'Burrow Silver', 'Tasmanian Toger' and 'Glacier Blue'.
Botanical Information
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Species | characias |
| Subspecies | characias |
| Category | Perennials |
| Origin | Native to the Mediterranean. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 80 cm |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A thick, stout taproot supports biennial stems arising from its woody base, becoming wider on older plants as the outer stems lean outwards. Flowering on two year old stems, the clusters of chartreuse flowers have black to reddish-brown nectaries. |
| Shape | Large and rounded to mounding, more so with age. |
| Habitat | Found growing on rocky slopes, roadsides, scree, open dry meadows, sparse scrub and thin evergreen forests. |
| Leaf Description | Long, narrow, evergreen foliage more or less spirally clothe the stems. |
Photographs
