Cypress spurge is a perennial plant with yellow-green flowers and milky sap. The word "cypress" in its name is spelled /ˈsʌɪprəs/ and refers to the tree-like shape of its stems. The word "spurge" is spelled /spɜːrdʒ/ and refers to the plant's ability to "purge" or rid the body of toxins. This plant is typically found in North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to prairies. It is important to note that while cypress spurge has medicinal properties, it is also toxic and should be handled with caution.
Cypress spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia cyparissias, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Europe but has been introduced and naturalized in various regions around the world. The plant derives its common name "cypress spurge" from its resemblance to cypress trees due to its erect and slender growth habit.
Cypress spurge typically grows up to 1 to 1.5 feet tall and forms dense clumps with multiple stems arising from a woody rootstock. The plant features narrow, linear, and needle-like leaves that are bright green in color. Its leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems, with each leaf having a distinct blue-green stripe in the center.
During spring and early summer, cypress spurge produces small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in clusters called cyathia. The flowers are yellow-green and surrounded by showy, yellow-green bracts. Following pollination, seed capsules develop and eventually split open to release the small, pale brown seeds.
Despite its attractive appearance, cypress spurge is considered invasive in many areas, as it has a tendency to spread quickly and outcompete native plants. It can thrive in various soil types and has a high tolerance for drought, making it particularly resilient. The milky white sap produced by the plant can cause skin irritation for some individuals and is toxic when ingested.
Efforts are being made to control and manage populations of cypress spurge in regions where it is invasive, as it can disrupt ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
The word "cypress" in "cypress spurge" refers to the appearance of the plant, rather than its etymology. "Cypress" here is used to describe the resemblance of the plant's foliage to that of the cypress tree.
The word "spurge" comes from the Old French word "espurge", which is derived from the Latin word "expurgare". "Expurgare" means "to purge" or "to cleanse". This name was given to the plant due to its traditional medicinal use as a purgative or laxative.