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Euphorbiaceae FAMILY

Euphorbia sieboldiana

Euphorbia sieboldiana

Edibility
1/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & 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[1]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[2].

Cultivation Details

HabitPerennial
Growth—

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is a polymorphic species[3]. Chinese and Korean plants to which the name, Euphorbia sieboldiana has been applied, differ from Japanese one in irregularly toothed but not ciliated lobes of involucres. Moreover, E. sieboldiana in Japan includes three or more well distinct forms which are easily distinguished each other in morphology of rhizomes, leaves and bracteoles and have different distributions and habitats. These may be recognized as distinct species, but further studies are desirable[4]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position[1]. Succeeds in dry soils[5]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[1]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[6]. This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out[7].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a shaded cold frame[1]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Euphorbia+sieboldiana>

Pollinators

Insects

References

  1. [1]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
  2. [2]The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994. — Matthews. V. · Royal Horticultural Society · 1994 · ISBN 1352-4186 ↩︎A quarterly magazine, it has articles on Himalayacalamus hookerianus, hardy Euphorbias and an excellent article on Hippophae spp.
  3. [3]Flora of Japan. (English translation) — Ohwi. G. · Smithsonian Institution · 1965 · ISBN - ↩︎The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
  4. [4]Flora of Japan — http://www.foj.info ↩︎An on-line version of the flora - an excellent resource.
  5. [5]RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 — F. Chittendon. · Oxford University Press · 1951 · ISBN - ↩︎Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [ 200 ]).
  6. [6]Perennial Garden Plants — Thomas. G. S. · J. M. Dent & Sons, London. · 1990 · ISBN 0 460 86048 8 ↩︎A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.
  7. [7]Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. — Carruthers. S. P. (Editor) · Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading · 1986 · ISBN 0704909820 ↩︎Some suggested alternative commercial crops for Britain. Readable. Produced by a University study group.
  8. [8]Plants for Human Consumption. — Kunkel. G. · Koeltz Scientific Books · 1984 · ISBN 3874292169 ↩︎An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of Latin names with a brief list of edible parts.
  9. [9]A Barefoot Doctors Manual. — ? · Running Press; Philadelphica. · 1977 · ISBN 0-914294-92-X ↩︎A very readable herbal from China, combining some modern methods with traditional chinese methods.
  10. [PFAF]Plants for a Future — pfaf.org ↩︎