Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean Spurge)

Botanical Information

FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusEuphorbia
Speciescharacias
Subspecieswulfenii
SynonymsEuphorbia wulfenii
CategoryPerennials
OriginNative to the Mediterranean (southern Europe, the Balkans and European Turkey). Genus named after Euphorbus, the Greek physician (1st century A.D.).
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The entire plant is highly toxic if ingested. Stems contain a highly poisonous, milky white sap that will irritate the skin.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 - (-7)
Temperature (°F)-10 - 20
Height1 - 1.5 m
Spread1 - 1.5 m
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionEuphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is an upright evergreen sub-shrub with narrow, grey-green leaves and heads of yellow-green flowers.
ID CharacteristicSparsely-branched.
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer.
CultivationGrow in a sheltered location, in full sun to part shade and light, well-drained soil. In late summer or autumn prune flowering shoots to the ground. Gloves should be worn when handling this plant as the sap is toxic.
PestsSusceptible to aphids. No serious diseases of note.
Notable SpecimensRHS Garden Rosemoor, North Devon, England.
Leaf DescriptionNarrow, linear to obovate, up to 13 cm in length, grey-green, arranged spirally along stems.
Flower DescriptionNo petals, bracts are yellow-green, glands purple, arranged in large, rounded clusters.

Photographs