Can you help me identify this plant please..

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Organic99, Apr 17, 2007.

  1. Organic99

    Organic99 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello everybody.

    I re-landscaped a true jungle of a garden last year. In the new borders three of the plants shown in the photos have appeard. There about 3-4ft high and winter hardy (well they survived this years mild winter). I have no idea what they are and thought some knowledgable person here would know.

    Many thanks for any advise.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. giantpoppy

    giantpoppy Apprentice Gardener

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    looks like ufobia be carfull if it is sape is dangerouse use glove till you check
     
  3. compostee

    compostee Gardener

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    It is Euphorbia 'Excaliber' and is hardy, It's a nice looking plant, but beware of the sap, it's a skin irritant.
    Nice pics too.
     
  4. Organic99

    Organic99 Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for the very quick reply and the warning about the sap.

    I like them and intend to keep them. There just beginning to flower so will be interested to see them in bloom although the plant is very decorative with just the foliage.

    Do they cope will with relocation?
     
  5. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Its euphorbia lathyrus, (the mole plant) said to deter moles.
    Its a hardy annual or biennial.
    It doesn't like to be moved, its really a weed and can self seed all over the place.
     
  6. jazid

    jazid Gardener

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    Also known as Caper Spurge because in ye olden times its fruit were allegedly sold by unscrupulous traders as capers to unsuspecting folk. This was somewhat unfortunate as they are a purgative, or possibly an emetic, I forget which. I like to let them get about as they are rather handsome, and easy to weed if they become numerous.

    Don't know about deterring moles, but I do know it grows easily in poor ground and moles don't like that much.
     
  7. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I've got them all over my allotment, and I dont have any moles, so it must work. :D :D
     
  8. Palustris

    Palustris Total Gardener

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    got it in our garden and more moles than a Regency beauty queen, it does not work!
     
  9. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    OK, it was worth a try.
     
  10. JarBax

    JarBax Gardener

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    Hehe, I have it too - and can verify for the sap - my son and small friend (a good decade ago now) had a super afternoon picking the seeds, and throwing them at eachother (unbenownst to me) then both had a dreadful swollen red rash over their faces and hands, and had to stay out the sun til that passed (several days).

    I love it - in late summer, as the pods heat up in the sun - they really do POP - spreading their seeds into nooks and crannies all over the place!
     
  11. daisybelle

    daisybelle Gardener

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    Before we did our garden, it was full of these. They grow so quick and look so prehistoric, we caled them triffids! lol
     
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