Seasonal Wild Flowers

Portland Spurge

Euphorbia portlandica

Euphorbiaceae

April to September

It is found in the west and south coasts, from Cumbria

round to Sussex.

It is common on the Isle of Portland where these pictures

were taken.

See the BSBI distribution map for Portland Spurge

It grows in well-drained, coastal habitats, such as cliff,

rocky and grassy slopes, quarries, shingle and

established dunes.

Portland Spurge is a native, biennial or short-lived,

perennial herb growing up to 40cm.

Flowers are bright yellow green and composed of bracts.

There are 3 forked stiles, each with 2 stigmas.

The glands are lunate with long horns.

There are numerous dark green leaves with conspicuous

midribs.

The stem is often tinged red.

Portlant Spurge, Portland, Dorset

Flowerhead of bracts

Glands lunate with long horns

Forked styles

Outer bracts

Lower leaves- prominent midribs

Reddish lower stem

Rocky, grassy, sloping habitat