Product Description

Euphorbia lathyris is also known as the 'mole plant' because of its reputation for deterring the activity of this creature. A native of Mediterranean areas, and has also been introduced into the USA. The seeds have in the past been used for medicinal purposes and for the production of lamp oil. Recently (Science 194:46. 1976) Nobel Laureate Melvin Calvin has suggested that the mole plant could be the "petroleum plant", producing a hydrocarbon substance very much like gasoline. Calvin states that the hydrocarbon produced by the plant could probably be used directly in existing refineries. The Mole Plant grows about 2 feet tall and is very easy to grow. If prefers sun or part-sun. It can be mixed into the flower beds to repel moles but is even attractive on it's own. Hardy in zones 5-10. The plant you will receive is growing in a 3" pot.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #625618 in Lawn & Patio
• Brand: Hirts: Perennials; Sun

Features

• The plant you will receive is growing in a 3" pot.
• The Mole Plant grows about 2 feet tall and is very easy to grow
• Hardy in zones 5-10
• If prefers sun or part-sun
• It can be mixed into the flower beds to repel moles but is even attractive on it's own

Customer Reviews

Really works, but beware of severe skin allergies
I by no means want to scare people away from a great plant. I just want to warn you folks about the absolute neccessity of skin protection while working with this family of plants.
It really works well. My garden is gopher free (we don't have moles here, but it works for our burrowing rodents too). I just sprinkle a few seeds where the gophers crop up, and almost as soon as the plants germinate the vermin are gone.
BUT: I learned the hard way that I am allergic to euphorbias. That includes poinsettias, and I personally refuse to buy or care for the darn things because I'm afraid I'll react like I did as a kid. It's acutually a fairly common allergy. So wear gloves! Unless you want to end up like I did when I was a kid. I picked a boquet of euphorbias because the leaves were so pretty. Then I took it inside, put it in a vase, and took a nap on the couch. I must've touched my face, because later that night my face and hands were burning and I began to compulsively wash with ice water to cool my skin, but the damage was done and the next morning my face was covered in a rash worse than poison ivy. My mom rushed me to the doctor because she thought I had impetego (a childhood disease charecterized by crusty blisters all over). I was in so much pain I couldn't sleep and missed a week of school. Turns out it was the pretty euphorbias I picked.
Therefore I will warn everyone that while this is a great plant, don't get the milky white sap on your skin. This is not as bad as some euphorbias, but still not worth risking. WEAR GLOVES!
If I can, I'll add statistics to my review after I find them. I've known of a lot of people reacting just like I did. But I don't know stats.