Moleplant
Euphorbia lathyris
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Other Common Names: caper spurge, paper spurge, gopher spurge
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 2012
Native to: Asia and Europe
Is this Weed Toxic?:
humans, livestock
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact the noxious weed control board via noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov to report locations or for more information.
How would I identify it?
General Description
Woody to succulent plant can grow up to 5 feet tall. Its coloration varies from lime green, to olive green, to blue green.
Flower Description
Small, yellow to yellow-green stamens and stigmas grow from the center of similarly colored sepals, with no true petals. These grow in pairs from the end of each branching flowering stem.
Leaf description
Thin, triangular leaves grow in opposite pairs up the stem, every pair growing at a 90 degree rotation from the prior pair. This creates 4 straight rows of leaves growing up the stem. At the end of the stem and below the flowers, the leaves are more rounded and wide, growing in opposite pairs. The leaves have a light colored midvein.
Stem description
Red to green and covered in a waxy coating that give it a silvery appearance
Fruit Seed Description
Round, green, four-lobed fruits.
Where does it grow?
Generally open and sunny locations, though it can tolerate shade.
How Does it Reproduce?
Seed
How Do I Control It?
The milky sap can be a skin irritant and is poisonous if ingested. Wear gloves when touching the plant.
For More Information
Whatcom County NWCB Fact Sheet on moleplant
Invasive Plant Atlas information on moleplant
Pictures from UW Herbarium image database
Additional Photos
