Mediterranean spurge
Euphorbia characias
Also called Euphorbia, Spurge and Wulfenii
Garden plant · PerennialsWEAR GLOVES AND EYE PROTECTION to cut it. The milky sap burns skin and blinds — every year people strim one and end up in hospital. Cut the old stems out at the base after flowering.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun, sharp drainage
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy — an average winter RHS H4, to -10°C
- Size
- 1.25 m tall · 1.25 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- The Mediterranean
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses.
PeopleHarmful if eaten, and irritates skin
The milky sap, from any cut.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS category B — irritant to skin and eyes. Wear gloves AND eye protection to cut it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.