Does gopher spurge work?

It seemed like a great idea, but research proved that planting gopher purge was not effective in repelling gophers or protecting our garden plants from the pesky rodents. The same disappointing result occurred when other purported gopher repelling plants, such as castor bean, Ricinus communis and garlic were tested.

Is gopher spurge invasive?

Gopher spurge (Mole plant), Euphorbia lathyris. Invasive species native to southern Europe (France, Italy, Greece, northwest Africa, and eastward through southwest Asia to western China. Toxic, said to repel moles.

Is gopher spurge toxic?

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested can cause death in people, pets or livestock. Causes redness, swelling, and blisters on the skin after some delay following contact. All parts of the plant, especially the milky sap, are considered toxic.

How poisonous is spurge?

Myrtle spurge is poisonous if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This plant exudes toxic, milky latex, which can cause severe skin and eye irritations. Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and shoes is highly recommended when in contact with Myrtle spurge, as all plant parts are con- sidered poisonous.

Does spurge deter moles?

Description The Mole Plant (also known as Caper Spurge, Gopher Spurge or Gopher Plant) is a garden annual or biennial that is mistakenly thought to repel moles or pocket gophers.

Is gopher plant toxic to dogs?

This plant stands upright with linear leaves that are bluish to greenish in color. When snapped open or bitten into, a toxic sap emerges from the leaves and stem. This toxic sap contains saponins that can cause irritation to the skin when touched and many symptoms, some severe, when ingested by dogs and humans.

How tall do gopher plants get?

Size & Growth. The gopher spurge is an easy to grow bushy perennial that grows up to be around 1′ -2′ feet tall and 2′ -3′ feet wide. Like most other succulents, this plant has somewhat fleshy foliage that is arranged in a spiral on upright stems.

Is spurge toxic to dogs?

This noxious weed has a milky sap containing toxins that can irritate the skin, whether you’re a human or a dog. Dogs may be particularly prone to itching because they are closer to the ground and more likely to rub up against a patch of spurge weed.

What plants keep moles and gophers away?

You can place all sorts of natural deterrents around your property to repel gophers. Growing plants with strong smells such as sage, daffodils, iris, thyme, and geranium will repel them, for example, as will placing fish oil, peppermint oil, coffee grounds, or tabasco sauce on the ground near gopher tunnels.

How do you take care of a gopher plant?

It performs best in full sun to partial shade. While drought-resistant, it prefers supplemental irrigation during the warm weather. The gopher plant grows in any soil as long as it is well-draining. Do not over-water it, as it is susceptible to damping off and dying.

Should you cut back spurge?

After the growing season, spurge should be left alone to provide interest in the garden and cut back in early spring to shape the plants. Whatever the season, diseased parts of plants should be removed completely and discarded.

Can I cut a Euphorbia to the ground?

Some evergreen euphorbias simply need to have their faded blooms cut back after flowering. Others, such as varieties of Euphorbia charcacias, have biennial stems, which need to be cut down to the ground after flowering. Deciduous types need to be cut down to the ground in autumn.

How toxic is Euphorbia?

The milky sap or latex of Euphorbia plant is highly toxic and an irritant to the skin and eye. This report illustrates the spectrum of ocular inflammation caused by accidental inoculation of latex of Euphorbia plant.