Wood spurge

As its name suggests, Wood spurge is found in woodlands. It is an attractive evergreen that displays cup-shaped, green flowers in clusters and dark green leaves.

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 80cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

Wood spurge is, as its name suggests, commonly found in woodlands, particularly damp and coppiced woods. The ancestor of our garden varieties of Euphorbia(spurge), its attractive, greeny-yellow flowers can be seen from April to June.

How to identify

The greeny-yellow flowers of Wood spurge have no petals or sepals, but are held in cup-shaped bracts and appear in clusters. The upright stems carry long, narrow leaves, often tinged with red. It is an evergreen.

Distribution

Found mainly in Southern England; scarce elsewhere.

Habitats

Woodland

Did you know?

As with other spurges, Wood spurge produces a milky white sap which is toxic; in other parts of the world, these saps have been used to tip poisoned arrows.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for woodland plants.