Irish spurge (Euphorbia hyberna, Sp. Pl.: 462 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 462 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & SW. Europe

Description

Irish spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia hyberna, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. First documented in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” on page 462 in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species forms an integral part of the flora native to Western and Southwestern Europe.

This distinctive plant thrives in temperate regions, where it is commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, and rocky terrains. Euphorbia hyberna is characterized by its milky latex, a feature typical of the Euphorbiaceae family, which can be irritant if it comes in contact with the skin. The plant showcases bright green, lanceolate leaves arranged in a whorled pattern around its stems. During the spring and early summer, Irish spurge produces clusters of inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers that give way to small, three-lobed capsules containing its seeds.

One of the fascinating aspects of Euphorbia hyberna is its historic and traditional significance in the regions it inhabits. It has often been used in folk medicine, although caution is advised due to the toxic nature of its latex. This plant plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for various insect species, thus contributing to biodiversity.

Overall, Irish spurge (Euphorbia hyberna) is a remarkable species that captivates botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its unique botanical characteristics and its role in European flora.

Common Names

Eng: irish spurge
Swe: irlandstörel
Cym: fflamgoed wyddelig, llaethlys iwerddon
En: Irish Spurge
Ca: Lleteresa hibèrnica
Fr: Euphorbe d’Irlande
It: Euforbia irlandese
Sv: Irlandstörel
Cy: Fflamgoed Wyddelig, Llaethlys Iwerddon
: Carniolan spurge

Synonyms

• Euphorbia lusitanica (Steud.)
• Euphorbia hyberna subsp. euhyberna (Briq.)
• Galarhoeus hybernus ((L.) Haw.)
• Galarhoeus emarginatus (Haw.)
• Euphorbia hyberna var. monantha (Merino)
• Tithymalus hybernus ((L.) Hill)
• Euphorbia hibernica (Spreng.)
• Euphorbia carniolica (Lapeyr.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by nathalie Monfort (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Benoit Martinet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Maryvone Modenel (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by tonysalix77 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Cornelia Kaya (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by antonellalys (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2015 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2017 by Charles Petit (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by Sara Hardcastle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2018 by Akkercja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 2, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:346847-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3066567)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia hyberna L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 5