I'm getting conflicting advice on Euphorbia lathyris. I'm fully aware of the risks with the sap, but several people tell me it's a weed, and should be removed before the roots get too established. Can anyone tell me the best course of action to take with this plant?
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A weed is a plant in the wrong place. A lot of people like it for its architectural qualities and the way that it can add height and structure.
If you don't like it, then it's a weed.
It's an interesting plant http://www.seedaholic.com/euphorbia-lathyris.html
I've not known it to spread invasively via its roots, but it does catapult it's seeds quite widely. However the seedlings are easy to recognise and weed out.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
its roots won't ever get established. It's a biennial. Germinates in year one, flowers, seeds and dies in year two
In the sticks near Peterborough
Keeps moles away.................true
There are many other euphorbias - some are stunning - have a look here
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/22/gardens-euphorbia
and here https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/plants.cfm?pl_id=1837
You may well decide that E. lathryis isn't the one for you, but some of the others may well be just what you need to add some style to your garden
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.