Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Lebanon-Syria, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 5 July 2005 18:18 (UTC)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- Euphorbia esula
- USDA Symbol:
- EUES
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Succulent
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
sparganothis fruitworm moth (Sparganothis sulfureana), Spurge Hawk-moth (Hyles euphorbiae)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus) Moths:Spurge Hawk-moth (Hyles euphorbiae)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from extensive lateral root system after fire; fire alone does not control established populations.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in disturbed areas and grasslands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI