Euphorbia

( yoo - FOR - bee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This is a group of annuals, biennials, perennials, and evergreen to deciduous shrubs and trees and are commonly called Spurge. They need moderate to regular water, and most bloom in spring through summer. The milky sap from these plants can be irritating or poisonous, so take care when planting them in high-traffic areas in your yard. This genus includes over two thousand species, and many are succulent-looking and mimic cactus in appearance. Take care when planting Euphorbia in your garden, as these plants have a very potent sap that can cause severe skin irritation in humans and pets, and even possible blindness if skin or eye contact is made.

Euphorbia Species and Varietals

The genus Euphorbia includes over 2,000 distinct species and is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. About 1,200 species are considered succulents. The genus was principally described by Carl Linnaeus in his publication Species Plantarum in 1753. The common name for Euphorbia plants, Spurge, originates from the Old English or Old French word for 'to purge' (espurge). This is in reference to the fact that these plants were historically used as laxatives. The genus name Euphorbia was named for the Greek physician Euphorbos, who documented the medicinal use of these plants. Euphorbia growing zones vary depending on the species; see descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Euphorbia albomarginata (Chamaesyce albomarginata) (Whitemargin Sandmat, Rattlesnake Weed, Golondrina, Yerba de la Vibora)
This species is native to desert, chaparral, and grassland habitats in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It produces a groundcover plant to about a half inch tall. They form mats of green foliage with burgundy edges and stems. This species is considered weedy but not invasive.

Euphorbia amygdaloides (Wood Spurge, Woodland Spurge)
This species is suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-24 as a perennial, native to Europe and Türkiye. Individual plants reach up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide, and have reddish-green stems. Dark green leaves are red underneath. Green-yellow flowers bloom in mid-spring to early summer. This species is best in sun but can tolerate some shade. Varieties include 'Efanthia' (compact), 'Helena's Blush' (variegated pink/cream leaves), 'Purpurea' (purple foliage and bright green flowers), and Euphorbia amygdaloides robbiae (pictured, shade tolerant and spreading). This species is considered invasive in the United States (Oregon, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee).

Euphorbia antisyphilitica (Candelilla, Wax Plant, Little Candle)
These plants were historically used for treating Syphilis, hence the specific epithet 'antisyphilitica'. The species produces a dense cluster of upright, essentially leafless stems covered in wax. Flowers are small and white. Individual plants typically reach up to 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

Euphorbia caducifolia (Leafless Milk Hedge)
These plants are found growing in arid zones in the northwestern Indian subcontinent. They reach up to 10 feet tall when mature, and produce succulent stems that branch frequently and tend to grow vertically. Plants produce spines, and are often mistaken for Cacti.

Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge, Hercules Club, Cardón)
This species is endemic to the Canary Islands, and is the plant symbol of the island of Gran Canaria. It forms a succulent shrub to between 10 and 13 feet tall when mature, and has a look similar to some Cacti. It is hardy to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Euphorbia candelabrum (Candelabra Tree, Candelabra Cactus, Cowboy Cactus, Qwolqwal, Adaamii)
This unique species of Euphorbia is native to the Horn of Africa, where its sap is sometimes used as hunting arrow poison. It is named for its candelabra-shaped habit and reaches up to bewteen 30 and 40 feet tall when mature. Stems are square and have black spines. Flowers are yellow-green and insignificant.

Euphorbia caput-medusae (Medusa's Head, Medusa Head, Vingerpol, Noordmannetjie, Noordpol, Hondebossie)
Native to Cape Town, South Africa, this species produces many serpent-like stems that arise from a central caudex. Individual plants can reach up to 4-12 inches tall in most cases, and can exceed 2-3 feet in diameter. The species is primarily coastal, growing in deep sand or outcrops. It resembles the head of Medusa, hence its species and common names.

Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge, Albanian Spurge)
This is a perennial species that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-24 and is a native of the Mediterranean. Blue-green leaves are most common, and chartreuse or lime green flowers bloom in late winter. Cultivars will typically form a 4 foot tall domed shrubby plant. Commonly grown varieties are listed and described below:

'Ascot Rainbow'
Compact, with variegated foliage that take on reddish tones in cool weather.

'Black Pearl'
Large flower clusters.

'Glacier Blue'
To 1-2 feet tall with blue-grey leaves edged with white.

'Humpty Dumpty'
2.5 feet tall, vigorous grower.

'Lambrook Gold'
Glowing yellow blooms.

'Portuguese Velvet'
Blue-gray, hairy leaves and large golden flower clusters.

'Red Wing'
With red-tinged new leaves to 2 feet tall.

'Silver Swan'
With blue-green foliage edged with white and white flower bracts.

'Tasmanian Tiger'
3 feet tall and wide. Leaves and bracts are edged in white.

Euphorbia characias wulfenii
Most common form, with broad clusters of yellow flowers.

Euphorbia cotinifolia (Smoketree Spurge, Tropical Smoke Bush, Caribbean Copper Plant, Mexican Shrubby Spurge, Red Spurge, Lechero Rojo, Cotinilla, Cobrizo, Sangre Libanesa, Yerba Lechera)
This species is native to Mexico and South America and forms a shrub (10-15 feet tall) or small tree (30 feet tall). Stems are purplish, and leaves are similar to those of Cotinus (Smoketree) species. Flowers are white and bloom at the end of branches in summertime. Protect these plants from wind, salt, and frost in the landscape. Best in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Euphorbia cyathophora (Painted Spurge, Fire-on-the-Mountain, Paintedleaf, Wild Poinsettia, Mexican Fire Plant, Catalina, Dwarf Poinsettia)
This annual species grows in tropical and subtropical zones in North and South America, and produces plants that reach up to 3 feet tall when mature. Stems and leaves are green, and upper foliage is marked with red blotches. Painted Spurge is a highly invasive plant in Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Euphorbia dulcis (Sweet Spurge)
A perennial species that grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-24 and forms a mound 2 feet tall and wide at maturity. Cultivar 'Chameleon' is a popular garden ornamental with burgundy spring growth maturing to bronze-green. Green-yellow flowers with a purple tint appear in early summer. Purple fall foliage. Needs full sun and tolerates dry soil.

Euphorbia epithymoides (Euphorbia polychroma) (Cushion Spurge, Polychrome Spurge, Many-Colored Spurge)
This species reaches up to 18 inches tall when mature, and produces green foliage and bright yellow flowers that bloom in springtime (typically from May through June). These plants are native to Libya, Türkiye, and various regions of Europe. Cultivars include 'Bonfire' (with deep red, orange and purple foliage), 'Candy' (with purple stems and pale yellow bracts), 'First Blush' (with rose-edged foliage to 12 inches tall), 'Emerald Jade', 'Midas' (with bright yellow bracts), 'Major' (a larger form with improved tolerances), and 'Senior' (with narrow leaves).

Euphorbia esula (Green Spurge, Leafy Spurge)
This species is native to a range that spans from central and southern areas of Europe over through most of Asia. It forms an herbaceous perennial plant to 1-3 feet tall. Leaves have somewhat wavy margins, and flowers are small with bright yellow-green bracts. The species is considered invasive in the United States and Canada.

Euphorbia grantii (Synadenium grantii) (African Milk Bush, Red Milk Bush, Tanzanian Red Milk Bush)
African Milk Bush is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9a-12b, and produces shrubby plants with green foliage. Individual plants reach up to between 5 and 12 feet tall. This species is native to eastern Africa, and is considered invasive in India, Queensland (Australia), and areas of Hawai'i.

Euphorbia griffithii (Griffith's Spurge)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-10 and 14-24. This perennial is a Himalayan native. This species spreads by creepers, and has green leaves tinged red when young. In early summer, this shrub produces reddish orange bracts. It dies back in winter and enjoys full sun to light shade. Varieties include 'Fireglow' (pictured, with vivid orange bracts), and 'Dixter' (with coppery dark green leaves and orange-red bracted flowers).

Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge, Madwoman's Milk, Wart Spurge, Summer Spurge, Umbrella Milkweed, Wolf's Milk)
These annual plants are native to most of Europe, northern Africa, and most of Asia. These plants grow to reach up to between 4 and 20 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Leaves are green and rounded, and bracts are light green to yellowish. Stems are green. This species is considered an invasive weed in the eastern region and Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Euphorbia heterophylla (False Poinsettia, Mexican Fire Plant, Painted Spurge, Japanese Poinsettia, Milkweed)
This annual grows well in all zones, and reaches up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide at maturity. Bright green leaves, with larger ones resembling those of Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). In summertime, upper leaves are variegated with red and white markings. This species is considered to be highly invasive in southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia and has good herbicide resistance.

Euphorbia hirta (Asthma Plant, Tawa-Tawa, Garden Spurge, Pillpod Spurge, Hairy Spurge, Asthma Weed, Snakeweed, Red Milkweed)
This annual herbaceous plant is considered a weed in most areas, and is native to tropical regions of the Americas. It is widely considered a medicinal plant, and has been historically used to treat asthma, skin ailments, fevers and hypertension. These plants can be either upright or prostrate, producing reddish stems that can reach up to 2 feet long. Flowers bloom at nodes and are maroon to whitish-green. This species is considered an invasive weed in Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Euphorbia horrida (Horrid Spurge, African Milk Barrel)
This species of spurge is native to South Africa, and has a similar form and appearance to Cacti. These plants can reacu up to 5 feet tall and produce blue-green, heavily ridged spiny stems. Green flowers top stems in summertime. It grows well in sandy, gravelly soils that remain dry for much of the year. When it rains, the stems expand and take on a rotund shape.

Euphorbia hypericifolia (Euphorbia graminea) (Graceful Spurge, Baby's Breath Euphorbia, Graceful Sandmat, Chickenweed, Large-Spotted Spurge)
This species is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or Sunset growing zones 13, 21-24, H1 and H2, but can be grown as an annual in any zone. Plants form delicate mounds of foliage 12-18 inches tall. Small white flowers bloom against olive-green leaves year-round in mild climates, and in spring to fall elsewhere. Best in full sun or partial shade. Great for pots and hanging baskets. Varieties include 'Diamond Frost' and 'Breathless Blush' (with deep pink leaves and flowers).

Euphorbia lactea (Mottled Spurge, Frilled Fan, Elkhorn, Candelabra Spurge, Candelabrum Tree, Candelabra Cactus, Candelabra Plant, Dragon Bones, False Cactus, Hatrack Cactus, Milkstripe Euphorbia, Mottled Candlestick)
This species forms an erect shrub that reaches up to 16 feet tall when mature, and produces succulent branches that are triangular and ridged. It produces spines along ridges. Cultivars include 'White Ghost' (a variegated form with mostly white stems with green ridges) and 'Cristata' (with frilled or crested branches).

Euphorbia lathyrus (Caper Spurge, Paper Spurge, Gopher Spurge, Gopher Plant, Mole Plant)
This species of Euphorbia is biennial, native to western China, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. It forms an erect stem with lanceolate, blue-green leaves with pale midribs and veins. Flowers are green-yellow green. Individual plants reach up to 5 feet tall.

Euphorbia maculata (Spotted Spurge, Prostrate Spurge, Milk Purslane, Spotted Sandmat)
These North American native summer annuals are considered weedy, and can be found growing in garden beds, disturbed soils, and in the cracks in sidewalks. They are prostrate, and produce long, light colored stems and green rounded leaves, often with maroon markings at their centers. This species is considered invasive in California, Washington, Oregon, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Euphorbia marginata (Snow-on-the-Mountain)
Annual that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 or Sunset growing zones 1-24. Native to central North America, this plant grows to reach 2-3 feet tall and 1 foot wide at maturity. Prefers full sun or partial shade. Light green leaves, with upper leaves having white margins. Summertime flowers are green and white. Variety 'Summer Icicle' has brighter white markings than the species.

Euphorbia x martinii (Martin's Spurge)
Perennial plant that grows in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-24. Individual plants reach up to 2-3 feet tall and just as wide. Evergreen leaves are tinged purple when immature. Prefers full sun or light shade, and is relatively drought resistant. Stems are red in winter. Cultivars include 'Red Martin' (upright leaves that show off red stems), and 'Tiny Tim' (to 1 ft. tall with purple-green leaves).

Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)
This woody shrub grows in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 13, 21-24, H1 and H2. Stems have thorns. Light green leaves appear near branch ends, and bracts are red, yellow, orange, and pink. This species is great for seaside gardens due to its high salt tolerance. Prefers full sun or light shade, and a rocky planting medium is best to ensure excellent drainage. This species is considered invasive in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Anguilla.

Euphorbia obesa (Baseball Plant)
This unique species is endangered due to overcollection and poaching. It is slow-growing and native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The plant resembles a living ball, and is thornless. They can grow to reach up to between 3 and 6 inches wide at maturity, and are typically grown in containers.

Euphorbia paralias (Sea Spurge)
This species is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It forms a shrubby plant with erect stems to just under 30 inches tall at mature. Flowers are found in upper forks and surrounded by bracts, in bloom from September through May in their native range. It is considered a highly invasive coastal weed in southern Australia and New Zealand.

Euphorbia palustris (Marsh Spurge, Swamp Spurge, Bog Spurge)
Perennial that grows best in USDA hardiness zones zones 2b-9 and 14-17. Native to Asia and Europe, this plant forms a 2-3 foot tall and 3-4 feet wide clump with green leaves that turn orange in the fall. Yellow flowers pop in spring and early summer. Dies back in the winter cold and can grow in damp/boggy conditions.

Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia, Christmas Star, Painted Leaf, Mexican Flame-Leaf)
Evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub depending on the growing zone climate (best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 13, 16-24, H1 and H2). Grows to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Inconspicuous flowers surrounded by bracts that can be white, yellowish, pink, or marbled. Blooms pop in winter and last until spring. Can be grown as an informal hedge. Color can be improved through feeding with high-nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks. Cultivars are listed below:

'Advent Red'

'Autumn Leaves'

'Beauty Marble'

'Christmas Mouse'

'Ice Punch'

'Jingle Bell'

'Red Glitter'

'Premium Picasso'

'Whitestar'

'Viking Cinnamon'

Euphorbia rigida (Euphorbia biglandulosa) (Gopher Spurge, Gopher Plant, Rigid Spurge)
Perennial species that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b or Sunset growing zones 4-24. Tops out at 3-5 feet tall and just as wide, with fleshy grey-green leaves and flowers that are chartreuse and fade to pink with age. Great for border plantings, rock gardens or containers. Takes full sun and tolerates drought conditions well.

Caring for Euphorbia

Take care when planting, handling, and working nearby your Euphorbia plants, as the sap is very irritating to skin and eyes if contact is made. Make sure to plant your Euphorbia out of reach of children and your pets (if they tend to graze on your garden plants). Plant Euphorbia in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. This can vary somewhat depending on the species, however. Check descriptions above for more growing information. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are typically drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental irrigation during extended periods of drought.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Some taller varieties of Ranunculus may require staking or netting to remain upright. At the end of the growing season when foliage turns yellow and then brown and dies back, it can be removed. Corms can be either left in place and mulched over to protect them from frosty temperatures, or they can be dug up and stored in a cool, dark, dry place over the winter months. Euphorbia plants can be annuals or perennials; annual species are pulled and

Caring for Euphorbia in Containers
Euphorbia shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. These also do very well in containers, with the added benefit of being able to be moved around (or indoors) if necessary. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Most species are drought-tolerant and do not need much water once established, though this varies somewhat. Check your species description for more information. Top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Euphorbia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground, but they are still considered drought-tolerant. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune your Euphorbia by trimming back any damaged or dying stems in springtime. Immediately after blooms fade, cut the blooming stems back to the base of the plant. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Euphorbia can be propagated via seed and cuttings, though growing from seed is much more difficult (as the seeds are hard to find and harvest). For general purposes, propagate your Euphorbia via cuttings taken in springtime as new growth is starting to pop. To propagate your Euphorbia using cuttings, you'll need a clean pair of sharp garden shears, gloves, a pot filled with cactus or succulent potting mix, rooting hormone, and a pencil. Once you've gathered your materials, follow the instructions below.

Take note that handling Euphorbia generally means coming into contact with irritating sap. Do not take this lightly; the sap can cause major skin irritation, and if eye contact is made, can cause blindness. Wearing gloves is mandatory for working with these plants.
Fill your pot with cacti or succulent potting mix, and water to ensure that excellent drainage is occurring. Then, set your pot aside.
Take your cuttings using your sharp, clean garden shears. You should take a stem tip cutting that is at least three inches long. Set your cutting aside for a few days so that the end can form a callous. This will improve the chances that the cutting will successfully root.
Ensure that your potted soil is evenly moistened, and make a hole in the center with your pencil about a half inch deep. Dip the end of your cutting in rooting hormone, and carefully lower it into the hole you've created. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack the soil down too much.
Keep the cutting in an area that receives indirect light and keep the soil moist, but not wet, until your cutting has taken root. Once you notice new growth on your propagation, you'll know you have roots. After the root system has developed enough to give resistance when the top of the plant is tugged gently, it is ready to be planted in its forever home in a container or out in your garden.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Most pests find the milky sap of Euphorbia plants enough of a reason to stay away from the plant, but there are a few pests and diseases that Spurge can be susceptible to developing issues with, including: