Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)

After a very hectic day today at work, I paid the woods near Barns Green a second visit. Madgeland Wood is part of a fairly extensive area of woodland that stretches from the road between Coolham and Barns Green right across to the western edge of Southwater. There are a lot of confiers in places, but most is broadleaved woodland. The woods are regularly managed and thinning seems to be taking place all the time to allow the bigger trees to grow.

Wood Spurge is common in the South of England and like most plants in the family has poisonous sap which can also be irritating to the skin. Technically it starts flowering in April, but these were early! I am fairly certain that my identification is correct as they can grow up to 80cm high. Otherwise apart from some wild daffodils, primroses and the odd Wood Anemone, there was not a lot out yet. As my good friend Unique & Lovely will testify, these woods come alive in the summer with insects galore!