Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Horned spurge)

Botanical name

Euphorbia ceratocarpa

Other names

Horned spurge, Tintern spurge

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Species

E. ceratocarpa - E. ceratocarpa is a bushy to open, erect, evergreen perennial with upright stems bearing linear, mid- to grey-green leaves with prominent, white midribs and, over a long period from early summer into mid-autumn, large clusters of yellow-green flowers.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Bushy, Clump-forming, Erect, Open stems, Upright

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The milky sap may cause irritation to skin and eyes.

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Colour

Flower

Yellow-green in Summer; Yellow-green in Autumn

Foliage

Grey-green, Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific pests

Aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Cut back spent flower shoots to ground level.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Horned spurge) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean

Cultivation

Plant in free-draining soil in full sun. May perpetually flower in warm areas. If necessary, add grit or sharp sand to the soil to improve drainage. Dislikes winter wet, so a gravel mulch will help avoid rotting.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Horned spurge)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Horned spurge)

Common pest name

Banded-winged whitefly

Scientific pest name

Trialeurodes abutiloneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous whitefly native to the Americas with the potential to introduce harmful viruses to the UK. EU regulation should be considered and further assessed by EPPO.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Horned spurge)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/