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Euphorbia spp.
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Scientific Name
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Euphorbia spp.
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Common Name
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Spurge
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Category
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Perennial
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Height
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1-5'
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Width
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1-4'
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Exposure
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Sn/Par-Shady
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Water
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Low
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Season_of_Interest
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Spring/Summer
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Deer Resist.?
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Yes
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Ca. Native?
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No
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Superstar Plants
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Yes
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Notes/Remarks
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Some reseed but seedlings are easy to pull out. Huge size variation amongst species.
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Photo
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Plant Description
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The most ornamental species of this diverse plant group develop showy green bracts in terminal panicles that elongate atop tough stems that must be cut to the ground annually after bloom. New growth appears immediately. A few types are known for burgundy foliage and yellow flowers. Most tolerate dry soil with little or no summer water; some self-sow profusely. When cut, all species release a milky, white sap that can cause dermatitis.
Euphorbias often planted in Sonoma County include:
Euphorbias characias wulfenii, an evergreen perennial with beautiful clusters of lime-green flowers. It is fairly drought tolerant and deer resistant, wants full sun and little water. Grows to 3 ft x 4 ft.
Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger' is evergreen with interesting variegated leaves of green centers with white margins. Its flower clusteures are cream with light green centers. Likes partial shade, is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Grows to 2-3 ft high and wide.
Euphorbias amygdaloides 'Purpurea'/'Rubra' iE. amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ and E. a. ‘Rubra’ bear evergreen, purplish foliage and yellowish green blooms. Full sun, low water, drought tolerant and deer resistant. Grows to 2-3 ft high by 1 ft wide.
(Note that Euphorbia esula, Euphorbia oblongata and Euphorbia lathyris are considered invasive by the California Invasive Plants Council.)
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