Sea Spurge
Euphorbia paralias
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Sea Spurge is an attractive grey-green plant that grows on the fore-dune and upper beach. The oval, fleshy leaves spiral around an upright stem, giving it an almost architectural look. Like all Euphorbias it contains white latex sap which is toxic and skin-irritating. It's a plant of the strandline zone, tolerating salt and sand burial. More coastal than it looks — inland, you'd never find it.
At a Glance
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Habitat | Fore-dune · Upper beach · Mobile sand |
| UK population | Locally common on sandy beaches in southern and western Britain; patchy in the north |
| Sefton Coast | Present on fore-dunes at Formby and Ainsdale; one of its more northerly sites |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Fore-dune and upper beach areas at Formby and Ainsdale.
Identification
Upright stems to 40cm with spiral oval, fleshy, greyish-green leaves. Small yellowish flower heads. White milky sap if broken — do not get in eyes.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Look on the fore-dune, just behind the strandline. The grey-green spiral leaves are distinctive. Do not handle with bare hands — the sap is irritating.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sea Spurge dangerous to touch?
Sea Spurge contains a white latex sap (like all Euphorbias) that is a skin and eye irritant. Do not handle with bare hands and avoid getting sap in eyes. The plant is not dangerous to observe or photograph. It should not be eaten — all parts are toxic.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.