Moleplant: The Quirky Garden Character That May (Or May Not) Keep Moles Away
Meet the moleplant (Euphorbia lathyris), a fascinating annual that has captured gardeners’ imaginations for centuries. This tall, architectural beauty gets its common name from the long-held belief that it repels moles—though science hasn’t exactly backed up this claim. Whether or not it actually sends underground critters packing, moleplant certainly makes a striking addition to any garden with its distinctive appearance and easy-going nature.
What Exactly Is Moleplant?
Moleplant is a non-native annual forb that originally hails from the Mediterranean region. Botanically known as Euphorbia lathyris, this member of the spurge family has made itself at home across much of North America. It’s what botanists call a forb—essentially a non-woody plant that shoots up from the ground each year without developing any significant woody tissue.
This introduced species has spread throughout many states and provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and across the lower 48 states from Arizona and California to the eastern seaboard. You’ll find it growing in states like Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and many others.
Why Gardeners Love (And Sometimes Avoid) Moleplant
The Appeal:
- Distinctive architectural form that adds vertical interest
- Blue-green foliage arranged in attractive whorls around the stem
- Fast-growing and incredibly easy to cultivate
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Self-sows for future seasons (if you want it to)
- Conversation starter due to its mole-repelling folklore
The Considerations:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants
- Can self-seed aggressively in ideal conditions
- Contains milky sap that can irritate skin and eyes
- The mole-repelling claims are largely unproven
Growing Moleplant Successfully
If you decide to give moleplant a try, you’re in for an easy gardening experience. This annual typically reaches 3-4 feet tall and spreads about 1-2 feet wide, making it perfect for the middle to back of garden borders.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil (it’s not picky about soil type)
- USDA hardiness zones 6-10 (grown as an annual)
- Moderate water during establishment, then quite drought-tolerant
Planting and Care Tips:
- Start from seed in spring after the last frost
- Seeds germinate easily and plants grow quickly
- Space plants about 18-24 inches apart
- Minimal fertilization needed—too much can make plants floppy
- Deadhead flowers if you want to prevent self-seeding
- Wear gloves when handling due to irritating sap
Garden Design Ideas
Moleplant works wonderfully as a structural accent in cottage gardens, herb gardens, or anywhere you want to add some vertical interest. Its blue-green foliage provides a nice contrast to flowering plants, and its upright form makes it excellent for the back of borders or as a temporary hedge.
The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that aren’t particularly showy but add to its unique character. While these blooms don’t offer much for pollinators compared to native alternatives, they do contribute to the plant’s interesting architectural appeal.
A Word About Responsible Gardening
Since moleplant is a non-native species that readily self-seeds, it’s worth considering native alternatives that provide similar structural interest while supporting local ecosystems. Some excellent native options include:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for height and pollinator appeal
- Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) for architectural form
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium species) for tall, structural presence
If you do choose to grow moleplant, consider deadheading the flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding, and be mindful of its potential to spread beyond your intended planting area.
The Bottom Line
Moleplant is an intriguing annual that brings unique character to the garden, even if its mole-repelling reputation is more folklore than fact. It’s easy to grow, visually striking, and can be a fun conversation piece. However, as conscious gardeners, we might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while better supporting our local wildlife and ecosystems. Whatever you choose, happy gardening!
