About Euphorbia amygdaloides L.
Euphorbia amygdaloides, commonly called wood spurge, is a flowering plant species in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to woodland habitats in Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus. This bushy evergreen perennial grows to a height of 80 cm (31 in), and produces dark green, slightly hairy leaves that are approximately 6 cm (2 in) long. Its characteristic complex green-yellow inflorescence (called a cyathium, typical of all Euphorbia species) emerges in late spring and early summer. Wood spurge is one of the few plant species that grows well in the dry shade under trees, and it is used as groundcover in these locations. It spreads quickly via underground rhizomes and can become invasive, though it is relatively simple to remove. A cultivated form called Euphorbia 'Efanthia' exists for this species. One subspecies, E. amygdaloides subsp. robbiae (Turrill) Stace, commonly known as Mrs Robb's bonnet, is grown as a garden plant and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The milky latex produced by this plant is toxic, and can cause skin irritation if it contacts skin.
