Wild Spurge, Flowering spurge

Euphorbia corollata

Physical Characteristics

Euphorbia corollata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Central N. America - Ontario to Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida and Texas

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Purgative Skin Urinary The dried root is an excellent purgative, though it sometimes causes vomiting, it opens the body when other more violent purgatives fail to move it[4, 207, 222]. The plant has irritating and uncertain qualities and so is seldom used in herbal medicine[4]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of diabetes[222]. An infusion of the bruised roots has been taken in the treatment of urinary diseases[257]. The juice of the plant has been rubbed on the skin as a treatment for sores, eruptions etc, especially on children's heads[257]. A decoction of the plant, mixed with other herbs (these are not specified) has been used in the treatment of cancer[257].

Known Hazards

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[200]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[214].