Family: spurges (Euphorbiaceae)
Flowering time: March–July
Size: 15–50 cm
Habitat: cultivated soils, meadows, sunny forests, shrubs, vineyards, embankments
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is the most common species of spurge in Slovenia. We can easily recognize it by its very narrow – thread-like stem leaves. The leaves are up to 3 mm wide, and 1–3 cm long. At the top of the upright stem develops a composite, head-like inflorescence, which is initially green-yellow, and during the summer often becomes completely red. This species of spurge is often infected by a parasitic fungus that completely changes the appearance of the plant. The poisonous milky sap, which Cypress spurge also contains, protects the plant from being browsed; however, the caterpillars of the nocturnal moth of the common spurge nevertheless feed on its leaves. Cypress spurge thrives in sunny, warm habitats throughout Slovenia.
