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Euphorbia marginata

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-ah mar-jin-AH-tah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Snow on the mountain is an annual forb in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) native to the Great Plains that has been cultivated in gardens and has escaped into the wild in many other states. It is weedy in disturbed areas including pastures, waste places, and can be found growing along roadsides. The genus name probably honors Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauretania. The specific epithet is in reference to the white leaf margins.

These plants grow on a single stem 1-3 feet tall. They prefer full sun and tolerate poor soils as long as they are well-drained. In hot summer climates some protection from the hot afternoon sun may be needed. Too much shade will cause the plants to be floppy. They are deer and drought-resistant. Plants will reseed themselves in the garden.

The attractive gray-green leaves are edged in white near the stem ends and sometimes all white. The flowers are long-lasting and occur in clusters from summer to fall. 

Use this plant in naturalized areas, borders or as an annual ground cover for sunny dry areas. 

Stems and leaves contain a milky latex sap that can cause contact dermatitis for some be sure to wear gloves.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for aphids. Can be weedy.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Euphorbia.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#rabbit resistant#summer flowers#wildflower garden#sandy soils tolerant#rocky soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#annual#weedy#long bloom season
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#rabbit resistant#summer flowers#wildflower garden#sandy soils tolerant#rocky soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#annual#weedy#long bloom season
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    marginata
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    West Central & Central U.S.A. to East & South Mexico
    Distribution:
    Now found in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract various pollinators
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Air Pollution
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The three-parted capsule is round to egg-shaped. Green that matures to dark gray. Contains three ridged seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Description:
    Broad, white margins on leafy bracts surround the center which consists of many male flowers surrounding a single female flower. They appear in clusters called cyathia.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are green with white margins and up to 3.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. They are oblong to elliptical in shape with a pointed tip, entire margins and stemless. They are alternate on the stem but may be whorled in the upper flowering branches.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Green stems have hairs and produce a milky latex sap
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Pollution
    Poor Soil
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters in milky latex
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems