moleplant
Family
EuphorbiaceaeScientific Name
Euphorbia lathyrisOther Common Names:
caper spurge
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Galarhoeus lathyris
Tithymalus lathyris
Leaves
Lanceolate in outline, without hairs, approximately 2 1/2 to 6 inches long, 1/4 to 1 inch wide. Leaves are arranged oppositely and are without petioles (sessile). Leaves also have conspicuous white midveins. Leaves near the upper flowers are much shorter and triangular in outline. Leaves emit a milky sap when broken
Identifying Characteristics
An annual with opposite, lanceolate leaves that is often grown as an ornamental. All parts of these plants emit a milky sap when broken. Erect plants with lanceolate leaves with a conspicuous white midvein. Additionally, the fact that these plants emit a milky sap when cut readily identifies them as a Euphorbia species. Caper spurge is often confused with leafy spurge, however leafy spurge is a perennial with lateral root buds and does not have the conspicuous white midveins like those of caper spurge
Flower Seed Head
Flowers are relatively inconspicuous and occur in the upper portions of the plant. Flowers are green to greenish yellow in color
Seed Fruit
A smooth capsule that is 8 to 10 mm long.
Where Found
Caper spurge occasionally occurs as a weed of landscapes, roadsides, and pastures, but is not very common. Caper spurge is found throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia.
Life Cycle
summer annual
Plant Type
Herb