Cypress spurge
Euphorbia cyparissias
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A short hairless herb. It grows 30 cm tall. It has rhizomes and keeps growing from year to year. It often forms tufts. The stems usually branch from the base. The leaves are narrow and crowded. They are alternate and do not have teeth. The leafy shoots are like young pine trees. The flower umbels have 9-18 rays. The bracts are rounded and greenish-yellow. The capsule is 3 mm long. The seeds are grey. Bruce French
There are about 2000 Euphorbia species. Most Euphorbias have sap which irritates the skin.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in grassy and rocky places. It is often on calcareous soils. It is rare at sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Slovenia, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
Caution: All Euphorbias or spurges have irritating sap and many have chemicals that can cause cancer.
Edible parts
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Cipresasti mleček