Cypress Spurge – 6/12/15

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/12/15

Observation Time: 4:30 p.m.

Observation Location: conservation land at Lakeview & Morse Streets

Common Name: Cypress Spurge

Scientific Name: Euphorbia cyparissias

Comments: Cypress spurge is an invasive perennial plant from Eurasia. Its extensive underground root system spreads by means of lateral root buds.  It proliferates into large clonal colonies.

Baltimore checkerspot butterflies feed on cypress spurge flowers.

More Information: Vermont Invasives

Cypress spurge with Baltimore checkerspot butterfly chrysalis:

Cypress spurge with Baltimore checkerspot butterfly: