| Euphorbia amygdaloides | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. amygdaloides |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia amygdaloides | |
Euphorbia amygdaloides, thewood spurge, is aspecies offlowering plant in thefamily Euphorbiaceae,native to woodland locations in Europe, Turkey and the Caucasus. It is a bushyevergreenperennial, growing to a height of 80 cm (31 in), with dark green slightly hairy leaves about 6 cm (2 in) long. The complex green-yellow inflorescence (cyathium), typical ofEuphorbia, appears in late spring and early summer.[1]
It is among the few plants that thrive in the dry shade of trees, where it is used asgroundcover. It spreads rapidly by undergroundrhizomes and can become invasive, though relatively easy to remove.[1]
One form known isEuphorbia 'Efanthia'.[2] The subspeciesE. amygdaloides subsp.robbiae(Turrill) Stace, known as Mrs Robb's bonnet, is grown as a garden plant, and has gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[3][4]
The milkylatex of the plant is toxic and can cause irritation on contact with the skin.
