Albanian Spurge

Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias, Euphorbiaceae) is a perennial or sub-shrub native to the Mediterranean region (southern Europe and Turkey), reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Narrow gray-green leaves clothe upright stems. Distinctive bottlebrush-like inflorescences (cyathia) with yellow bracts and dark brown to black nectar glands appear from June to July, blooming in the second year of growth.

Mediterranean spurge grows in sun to part shade on well-drained soil, tolerating shallow rocky substrates, drought, pollution, salt, and urban conditions, hardy in Zones 6a to 8b. It is resistant to deer browse and attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators. The milky white latex sap causes contact dermatitis and can damage eyes; ingestion causes oral blistering. The cultivar 'Glacier Blue' is in the trade.