Carnation Spurge False Caper

Carnation spurge, Euphorbia terracina (family Euphorbiaceae), also known as false caper, is a short-lived perennial herb found on southern Californiaäó»s coast and in the Bay Area. It is a “B” rated California Code of Regulations Œ_4500 listed noxious weed. “B” rated weeds are plants known to be of economic importance and of limited distribution in the state.
Carnation spurge can form dense patches in a wide variety of habitats such as disturbed grasslands, coastal bluffs, dunes, salt marshes, riparian areas and oak woodlands. Although carnation spurge was recently introduced to southern California and is not yet widely distributed, it has the potential to spread rapidly after fires and into undisturbed native plant communities.
Carnation spurge spreads only by seed, which are expelled explosively by the dehiscent flower. The seed bank can last from 3 to 5 years. Carnation spurge is reported to cause dermatitis and temporary vision impairment or permanent vision impairment in sensitive individuals and has aleopathic properties.
It can survive in a wide variety of conditions äóñ cool, hot, dry, moist, sunny, shady, disturbed and undisturbed sites. Populations appear to be exploding.