Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: Lam.
Bibliography: Encycl. 2: 435 (1788)
Year: 1788
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Euphorbia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe, Algeria
Description
Hairy spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia illirica, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. First documented in the late 18th century by the renowned botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, it was comprehensively described in the Encyclopedic work of 1788.
This species primarily thrives across Europe and has also been observed in Algeria. Characterized by its distinctive hairy texture, the plant forms part of a diverse genus known for its unique biochemical properties and ecological importance.
Euphorbia illirica, like many of its relatives, features a white, milky sap that can be both a defense mechanism and a point of interest due to its complex chemical composition. It’s crucial for enthusiasts and horticulturists to handle this plant with care, as the sap can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Hairy spurge typically exhibits lush green foliage with a slightly rough surface, which accounts for its common name. The growth pattern of Euphorbia illirica makes it a versatile component in varied landscaping designs, particularly those oriented towards creating naturalistic and low-maintenance gardens.
In terms of habitat, this species prefers well-drained soils and locations that receive ample sunlight. Its adaptability to different environmental conditions across its geographical range highlights its resilience and ability to thrive under various climatic conditions.
In ecological contexts, Euphorbia illirica plays a significant role. Its presence can influence soil composition and provide habitat for numerous insects, contributing to the local biodiversity. Moreover, its adaptation mechanisms can offer valuable insights into plant resilience and survival strategies in challenging environments.
Given its widespread distribution and distinctive characteristics, Hairy spurge is an intriguing subject for both scientific study and gardening enthusiasts. Whether appreciated for its rugged beauty or its ecological contributions, Euphorbia illirica continues to captivate those who encounter it.
Common Names
Deu: wollige wolfsmilch
Swe: lentörel
En: Hairy Spurge
Ca: Lleteresa pilosa
Fr: Euphorbe poilue, Euphorbe velue
De: Wollige Wolfsmilch, Zottige Wolfsmilch
It: Euforbia pelosa
Sv: Lentörel
: Pubescent spurge
Synonyms
- Euphorbia reichenbachiana (Willk.)
- Euphorbia villosa (Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.)
- Euphorbia pilosa var. villosa ((Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.) Nyman)
- Euphorbia pilosa var. trigonocarpa ((Fisch.) Boiss.)
- Euphorbia mollis (C.C.Gmel.)
- Euphorbia pseudovillosa (Klokov)
- Euphorbia pilosa var. illirica ((Lam.) Nyman)
- Euphorbia klokovii (Dubovik)
- Euphorbia costata (Schur)
- Euphorbia pilosa subsp. villosa ((Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.) Nyman)
- Euphorbia subcordata ((Klotzsch & Garcke) Schur)
- Euphorbia multiformis (Schur)
- Euphorbia procera var. tuberculata (W.D.J.Koch)
- Euphorbia procera var. trichocarpa (W.D.J.Koch)
- Euphorbia cechica (Opiz)
- Euphorbia pilosa var. gymnocarpa (Wimm. & Grab.)
- Euphorbia volhynica (Besser ex Racib.)
- Euphorbia distinguenda (Schur)
- Euphorbia carinthiaca (Traunf. ex Boiss.)
- Tithymalus volhynicus ((Besser ex Racib.) Holub)
- Euphorbia villosa var. longifolia ((Rouy) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
- Euphorbia pilosa var. reichenbachiana ((Willk.) Boiss.)
- Tithymalus villosus var. trichocarpus ((W.D.J.Koch) Dostál)
- Tithymalus villosus var. tuberculatus ((W.D.J.Koch) Dostál)
- Tithymalus subcordatus (Klotzsch & Garcke)
- Galarhoeus villosus ((Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.) Prokh.)
- Euphorbia pilosa var. longifolia (Rouy)
- Euphorbia cantabrica (Rouy)
- Euphorbia trigonocarpa (Fisch.)
- Tithymalus villosus ((Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.) Pacher)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 7, 2021 by Lucas Gierczak (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2017 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2017 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2017 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Angelique Thabar (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2017 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken May 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:346862-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3065519)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia illirica Lam.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 6