Caper Spurge

Euphorbia lathyris

Alternate names
Mole Plant, Gopher Plant, Sassy Jack

Weed Description
An annual with opposite, lanceolate leaves that is often grown as an ornamental. All parts of these plants emit a milky sap when broken. Caper spurge occasionally occurs as a weed of landscapes, roadsides, and pastures, but is not very common. Caper spurge is found throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia.

Leaves
Lanceolate in outline, without hairs, approximately 2 1/2 to 6 inches long, 1/4 to 1 inch wide. Leaves are arranged oppositely and are without petioles (sessile). Leaves also have conspicuous white midveins. Leaves near the upper flowers are much shorter and triangular in outline. Leaves emit a milky sap when broken.

Stems
Erect, without hairs, emits a milky sap when cut.

Flowers
Flowers are relatively inconspicuous and occur in the upper portions of the plant. Flowers are green to greenish yellow in color.

Fruit
A smooth capsule that is 8 to 10 mm long.

Identifying Characteristics
Erect plants with lanceolate leaves with a conspicuous white midvein. Additionally, the fact that these plants emit a milky sap when cut readily identifies them as a Euphorbia species. Caper spurge is often confused with leafy spurge, however leafy spurge is a perennial with lateral root buds and does not have the conspicuous white midveins like those of caper spurge.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Caper Spurge

Euphorbia lathyris

Trouble identifying a weed?