Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
![Mrs Robb's bonnet](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b57a1f0f50.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
This plant, commonly known as Mrs. Robb's Bonnet, is a perennial with an attractive appearance that can add a lush green touch to gardens. It possesses vibrant green leaves that are shaped somewhat like a spade found in playing cards, with a slightly rounded form. The foliage is typically evergreen, providing year-round color in milder climates. During its blooming season, which generally occurs in the spring, Mrs. Robb's Bonnet produces small flowers that can be described as lacking prominent petals but surrounded by bright yellow-green bracts. These bracts are the showy part of the flower and can light up a shady garden spot with their cheerful hue. The flowering stems rise above the foliage, and due to their unique structure, the blooms form an eye-catching contrast against the darker tones of the leaves. The overall effect of the plant is one of robustness with a spreading habit, gracefully occupying space in the garden and providing a lush ground cover. While the plant can be appreciated for its resilience and decorative qualities, care should be taken since it is known to contain a sap that can be irritating to skin and harmful if ingested.
About this plant
Names
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms
Robb's Spurge, Mrs. Robb’s Bonnet, Wood Spurge
Common names
Tithymalus amygdaloides var. robbiae, Euphorbia robbiae.
Toxicity
To humans
Wood Spurge contains a milky sap that is toxic to humans. The sap can cause skin irritation upon contact, resulting in redness, swelling, and blisters. If ingested, the sap can lead to severe inflammation of the mouth, throat, and stomach, causing symptoms such as burning pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, it may also cause difficulty swallowing, fever, and symptoms of systemic toxicity. Care should be taken to avoid contact with the sap and to prevent ingestion of any part of the plant, as all parts are considered toxic.
To pets
Wood Spurge is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant's milky sap can cause irritation and possibly chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin or fur of an animal. If ingested, the sap can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it could lead to more serious signs such as weakness, convulsions, and may be fatal if treatment is not sought promptly. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of the plant.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits
- Low Maintenance: Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, commonly known as Wood Spurge, requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Wood Spurge is highly adaptable to dry conditions, making it suitable for gardens in areas with water scarcity or for xeriscaping purposes.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety of Euphorbia thrives in partial to full shade, providing an excellent ground cover in shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Ground Cover: Its ability to spread and form a dense mat makes it effective at suppressing weeds, reducing garden maintenance.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Wood Spurge can attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as bees, helping to pollinate surrounding plants.
- Deer Resistant: Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae is not a favorite among deer, which helps to prevent damage to the garden from grazing.
- Erosion Control: The plant's spreading habit and root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Year-Round Interest: With its evergreen foliage and attractive spring blooms, Wood Spurge adds color and structure to the garden throughout all seasons.
- Architectural Shape: The distinct shape and texture of Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae provide an architectural element to garden design, adding aesthetic value.
- Companion Planting: Wood Spurge works well when planted alongside other shade-loving plants, creating a diverse and harmonious woodland garden setting.
Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, commonly known as wood spurge, can be used in garden design for its textural foliage, providing a lush backdrop to flowering plants.
- The sap of wood spurge has been historically used as a fish poison. When introduced into small bodies of water, it can temporarily stun fish, making them easier to catch.
- In some cultures, the latex-like sap of the wood spurge has been used as a traditional adhesive or glue for various crafting purposes.
- The vigorous nature of wood spurge makes it a suitable plant for erosion control on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation.
- Wood spurge can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds in the garden due to its dense growing habit.
- The distinct, evergreen foliage of wood spurge provides winter interest in gardens where seasonal color is lacking during the colder months.
- Wood spurge may serve as a cover plant in forest restoration projects to help establish a more diverse understory until other plants can take hold.
- As a drought-resistant plant, wood spurge can be used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.
- In some regions, the dried seed capsules of wood spurge can be used in floral arrangements for their unique texture and visual interest.
- Wood spurge's propensity to spread can be harnessed to fill the spaces between stepping stones or pavers, creating a living join that can tolerate light foot traffic.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The plant Wood Spurge is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Wood Spurge is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Hardiness and Adaptation: Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, commonly known as Wood Spurge, is a resilient plant that thrives in challenging conditions including shade and tough soil. Its ability to adapt symbolizes hardiness and the capacity to endure and flourish in difficult situations.
- Protection: The milky sap of Wood Spurge can be irritating to the skin and eyes, which gives it the symbolic meaning of protection and defense. It represents a natural barrier against harm and negative influences.
- Persistence: Wood Spurge has a tenacious growing nature, symbolizing persistence and determination. It reflects an individual’s ability to persist through adversity, constantly pushing forward and growing.
Water
Wood Spurge should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every week during active growth in spring and summer months. In the winter, you should reduce watering to every two to three weeks or whenever the soil is dry, as the plant's water requirements decrease. Make sure to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, using gallons of water that will saturate the soil without leaving it soggy. Wood Spurge appreciates consistent moisture but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It's important to provide about one gallon of water for an outdoor plant to ensure it's well-hydrated.
Light
Wood Spurge thrives in partial shade but can also accommodate full sun to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for Wood Spurge is under the dappled light of a tree canopy or in a bright but shaded garden area. Avoid intense afternoon sun in hotter climates as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature
Wood Spurge performs best in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F. It is hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to about -10°F for short periods, which suggests it can be left outdoors year-round in many climates.
Pruning
Prune Wood Spurge in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant and to maintain its shape. Pruning back hard after blooming can also rejuvenate the plant and encourage bushier growth. It isn't usually necessary to prune Wood Spurge frequently unless it becomes too large for the space it occupies.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Wood Spurge prefers a well-draining soil mix with organic matter, ideally at a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and perlite can provide the right structure and nutrients.
Repotting
Wood Spurge should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate its growth; however, it tolerates being rootbound to some extent.
Humidity & Misting
Wood Spurge thrives in average room humidity levels; excessive humidity is not necessary, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycle
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, commonly known as wood spurge, begins its life cycle as a seed, often dispersed by explosive dehiscence where the capsule bursts open, flinging the seeds some distance away. Upon finding a suitable moist and shaded environment, the seed germinates, typically in the spring. After germination, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant, growing a deep root system and basal rosette of leaves, ready for photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it forms upright stems with whorls of dark green leaves and eventually produces its characteristic greenish-yellow flowers, often mistaken for petals but are actually modified leaves called bracts, blooming from early to mid-spring. Following pollination by insects, the plant sets seed again, continuing its reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, wood spurge will also propagate vegetatively through underground runners, forming dense colonies that can outcompete other vegetation.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, commonly known as Wood Spurge, is by division. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a large root mass is intact. Using a sharp shovel or knife, divide the root clump into smaller sections, each having several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same soil level as they were originally growing, and space them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method encourages quick and effective propagation, allowing gardeners to spread the beauty of Wood Spurge throughout their landscape.