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What is this plant please?

ClairieCClairieC Posts: 16
in Plants
We bought two new euphorbia’s last year. I can’t recall the name. But since bringing them in we keep getting these similar looking plants shoot up. We’ve had around 10 or more shoot up all working 2-3 metres of the main plant. They are not identical to the main plant but similar. They are stiffer leaves, darker green but similar shape & size. Last picture is the euphorbia we bought. You can see one of the new plants to the right hand side.  
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Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    It looks to me like Euphorbia lathyris aka Caper spurge. 


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, I think @AnniD's right.  It is poisonous so wear gloves, remove it and dispose of it carefully especially if you have children around.  It is said to deter moles and mice so could be handy for some! Mole Plant (Euphorbia lathyris) (victoriananursery.co.uk)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited February 2022
    Well, it's no more poisonous than other euphorbias ... it's the white sap that's nasty, so keep it off your skin and definitely away from your eyes.  It's a handsome plant, if you have the right space for it. 

     :) 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    It hasn't had any effect on my moles!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I did some research on this plant a while back for a friend who was concerned about its slightly intimidating look!  Like other Euphorbias, yes it has a milky sap which is a skin or eye irritant, but the seeds are also poisonous.  I wouldn't grow it in a domestic garden if there are children or pets around because the seeds look edible. Here is an interesting fact I discovered, handy if a change of career is planned 😊:

    Caper spurge was used in the past as a violent purgative, whilst the rubefacient action of the leaves was employed by beggars to raise unsightly sores on their skins to elicit pity and thereby obtain more money[254]. All parts of the plant are emetic and purgative[4, 7, 21] and the plant is nowadays considered to be far too toxic for it to be used medicinally[238].  The seed is diuretic, parasiticide and purgative[176, 218]. 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719

    ClairieC
    I agree with other..... Euphorbia lathyrus..common name Caper spurge...with blueish leaves
    I have turned your pics.
    I believe the Euphorbia you bought is Euphorbia mellifera with bright green leaves...pic 3 below.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • ClairieCClairieC Posts: 16
    Thank you. It does seem to be that. Do you think it came in with the other euphorbia we purchased (the brighter green one)? 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Possibly @ClairieC, the seeds may have come with your other Euphorbia, or blown in from elsewhere.  Don't let this plant put you off other Euphorbias.  I have many in my garden, they provide good late winter interest and early spring colour and cheer!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    E mellifera also has lovely honey scented flowers :)
  • ClairieCClairieC Posts: 16
    Thank you everyone. Yes it is a Euphorbia Mellifera that we bought originally. We’ve now remembered! 
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