Wood Spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides

Names

• Family

  Euphorbiaceae.

• Synonyms

  Wood Spurge, Amygdaloid Spurge, Woodland Spurge, Robb's Spurge.

• Common names

  Tithymalus amygdaloides, Euphorbia barrelieri, Euphorbia elliptica, Euphorbia heldreichii, Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia libanotica, Euphorbia viridiflora, Esula amygdaloides, Galarhoeus amygdaloides.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Wood Spurge, the most common common name for Euphorbia amygdaloides, is toxic to humans. The plant contains a white, milky sap known as latex, which can cause skin irritation upon contact. If ingested, the sap can produce symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe reactions, including swelling of the eyes and throat, difficulty breathing, and systemic reactions in individuals with latex allergies. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of this plant and to be cautious when handling it to prevent the sap from coming into contact with skin or mucous membranes.

• To pets

  The toxicity of Wood Spurge to pets is similar to its effects on humans. This plant should be considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of Wood Spurge, they could experience salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly more severe reactions if a large amount was consumed. The white, milky sap of the plant can also irritate the skin and mucous membranes upon contact. If you suspect your pet has ingested Wood Spurge, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately to manage the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  1-2 feet [30-60 cm]

• Spread

  1-1.5 feet [30-45 cm]

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  6-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Landscaping: Euphorbia amygdaloides, commonly known as wood spurge, is often used in gardens and landscape design due to its attractive foliage and structure.
• Drought Tolerance: As a hardy plant, wood spurge can withstand periods of drought once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Year-Round Interest: With evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms, wood spurge provides visual interest throughout the year.
• Erosion Control: Its spreading habit and root system can help stabilize soil, making it useful for controlling erosion on slopes or in problem areas.
• Wildlife Support: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees, while the dense foliage can provide shelter for small garden fauna.
• Low Maintenance: Wood spurge typically requires minimal care, making it convenient for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
• Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, allowing for gardening in a variety of light conditions.

Medical Properties

• Emetic: Euphorbia amygdaloides, commonly known as wood spurge, has been used historically as an emetic to induce vomiting.
• Purgative: It has been utilized for its purgative properties, helping to clear the bowels.
• Diuretic: Wood spurge has been reported to have diuretic effects, assisting in the removal of excess water from the body.
• Topical use for skin conditions: In traditional medicine, the sap has been applied topically to treat warts and other skin growths.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Euphorbia amygdaloides, commonly known as Wood Spurge, can be used as a natural dye, giving a range of colors from yellow to brown, depending on the mordant used.
• The latex, or milky sap, of Wood Spurge has been historically used as a fish poison in small streams by some indigenous groups, a practice which is not legal or environmentally friendly.
• The robust and spreading nature of Wood Spurge makes it suitable for erosion control on banks and slopes where other plants might struggle to establish.
• As an ornamental plant, Wood Spurge can be used for creating contrast in rock gardens due to its evergreen foliage and unique flower structure.
• In floral arrangements, Wood Spurge can add an unusual green accent; however, caution is needed as the sap can cause skin irritation.
• Wood Spurge's tendency to grow in shady woodland areas can be harnessed to add greenery to challenging garden spots where sunlight is limited.
• Some gardeners use Wood Spurge as a companion plant to deter certain pests, benefiting nearby plants that are more prone to infestations.
• When landscaping for wildlife, Wood Spurge can provide shelter and habitat for a variety of insects and small animals due to its dense growth.
• The plant's resilience to deer browsing makes it a practical choice for gardens in areas where deer predation is a common problem.
• During the winter months, Wood Spurge maintains its greenery, offering a valuable source of winter interest in otherwise barren gardens.

Feng Shui

The Wood Spurge is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Wood Spurge is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Persistence: Euphorbia amygdaloides, commonly known as Wood Spurge, has the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, often symbolizing determination and the endurance to persist through adversity.
• Protection: The milky sap of Wood Spurge is toxic, which can symbolize protection and defense against harm.
• Healing: Traditionally, some species of Euphorbia were used for medicinal purposes, although this should be approached with caution. Wood Spurge therefore can represent healing, both physical and emotional.