Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Irish Spurge |
| Also Known As | Irish Wood Spurge |
| Scientific Name | Euphorbia hyberna |
| MainColor | Green |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Naturalized |
| Season Found | August (Apr - Jun) |
| ImageUrl | Euphorbia-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Glyndebourne |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 03 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | B |
Flower Details
Description
Euphorbia hyberna is a robust, herbaceous perennial with upright stems and dense clusters of lime-green bracts in spring. It thrives in damp, shady woodlands and adds vivid early-season colour to borders. Like all spurges, it exudes a white, milky latex when cut that can be irritating.
Distribution
Native to western Europe, including parts of Ireland and southwest England, where it grows in woodland glades and moist slopes.
Medicinal/Other Uses
Historically, spurges were used as purgatives, but Euphorbia hyberna’s latex is highly irritating and unsuitable for internal use.
Edibility
Not edible.
Human Toxicity
Highly_Toxic
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. The milky sap can cause severe skin and eye irritation. Gloves should always be worn when handling.
Pet Toxicity
Highly toxic to pets; ingestion or sap contact can cause drooling, vomiting, or blistering.
Active Compounds
Contains diterpenoid esters responsible for its caustic properties.