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Sun Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia 

 
 
Attracts FliesFlies are attracted to this plant
Annual Life CycleAnnual life cycle
Umbrella-Shaped FlowersUmbrella-shaped flowers
Green FlowersGreen flowers
No PetalsNo petals
Apr-Oct Flowering
period
Oval LeavesOval leaves
Toothed LeavesToothed leaves
Round StemRound stem
Tap RootTap root
50cmMaximum height
 
 
  Main image of Sun Spurge

© 2020-2025 Adrian Briggs

 

Sun Spurge is a non-native annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in cropland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 50cm.

Sun Spurge takes the name from its habit of titling its flowerheads towards the sun.

Botanic classification and naming: Sun Spurge is a member of the Spurge (Euphorbiaceae) family. The genus name 'Euphorbia' identifies the plant as a Spurge and its species name 'helioscopia' means 'sun-seeking (flowers)'.

Concerns: Sun Spurge is toxic to humans, pets and livestock. It produces a milky sap that can cause skin reactions and severe burning, swelling and inflammation if ingested.

 
Flower of Sun Spurge

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Flowers:
Sun Spurge usually flowers between April and October.

Flower colour:

Flower Colour Green

Green

Flower shape:

Flower Shape  Umbrella

Umbrella

Petals:

Petal Number =  0

0

Leaf of Sun Spurge

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Leaves:

Leaf Shape:

Leaf Shape is Oval

Oval

Or:

Alternative Leaf Shape is Elongated

Elongated

Leaf Margins:

Leaf Margin is toothed

toothed

Stem of Sun Spurge

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Stem and Roots:

Stem shape:

Stem Shape is Round

Round

Root type:

Root Type is Tap

Tap