Euphorbia oblongata is similar to, but is less common and less dramatic than its close relative E. characias. It has become a very popular garden plant in recent years.It has attractive yellow flower heads arranged in umbels, with five spokes. The flower heads are typical of the spurges or euphorbias with a naked female flower, with no petals or sepals, surrounded by tiny male flowers. The flowers are surrounded by bracteoles, which give the appearance of petals.

The plants are poisonous and contains a milky sap which is highly irritant and causes a rash especially following exposure to sun (photosensitive).