Wild Spurge, Flowering spurge
Euphorbia corollata
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
Euphorbia corollata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Dry soils in fields and along roadsides. Clay soils in Texas.
Central N. America - Ontario to Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida and Texas
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The dried root is an excellent purgative, though it sometimes causes vomiting, it opens the body when other more violent purgatives fail to move it. The plant has irritating and uncertain qualities and so is seldom used in herbal medicine. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of diabetes. An infusion of the bruised roots has been taken in the treatment of urinary diseases. The juice of the plant has been rubbed on the skin as a treatment for sores, eruptions etc, especially on children's heads. A decoction of the plant, mixed with other herbs (these are not specified) has been used in the treatment of cancer.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Other
Rating: 2
This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out. Dynamic accumulator.
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position. Succeeds in dry soils. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.