Plant DetailShow Menu

Caribbean Copper Plant Euphorbia cotinifolia

Previously known as:

  • Euphorbia cotinifolia 'Atropurpurea'
Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-uh kot-in-ih-FOH-lee-uh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Smoketree spurge is a shrub or small tree in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) that is native to Mexico and South America. In its native habitat, it is an evergreen but will drop its leaves if the temperature drops to 35  F. It can be grown as a shrub or trained to tree form and can reach 10-30 feet tall. In cooler climates it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors for the winter.

The species name means "leaves of Cotinus." The suffix, -folia, means "leaf." Cotinus is an unrelated genus in the Anacardiaceae (Sumac family) whose species are also sometimes called "smoketree."

The colorful leaves emerge red and mature to burgundy. In summer clusters of small white flowers appear at the end of branches.

This plant does best in full sun to light shade in very well-drained sandy soils. In NC it will need to be grown as an annual or in a container that can be brought inside for winter. If grown outdoors it does best in coastal areas but does not tolerate windy conditions or salt. If growing more inland, provide some shade in the afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

The sap is poisonous so make sure to use protection (eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, etc.) if pruning.

Insect Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Watch for aphids, spider mites, nematodes, and mealybugs.

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

More information on Euphorbia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#small tree#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#shrub#red leaves#broadleaf evergreen#rabbit resistant#air pollution tolerant#disease resistant#pest resistant#summer flowers#deer resistant#burgundy leaves#burgundy#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#tropical feel
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#small tree#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#shrub#red leaves#broadleaf evergreen#rabbit resistant#air pollution tolerant#disease resistant#pest resistant#summer flowers#deer resistant#burgundy leaves#burgundy#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#tropical feel
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    cotinifolia
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The plant has been used medicinally by native tribes and also as a poison to help catch fish.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to South America
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer, rabbit, air pollution, drough, insect pests, diseases
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Multi-trunked
    Open
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    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
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Three parted capsules with brown seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Tiny white flowers appear in pannicles at the end of branches in the summer. The flowers are subtended by creamy bracts. The bracts are what add the color against the dark leaves
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Ovate leaves are 3-4 inches long and 3 inches wide and are coppery-red maturing to dark burgundy. They have a slightly fleshy feel. Leaves will be small on potted plants.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Bark Description:
    Bark is light brown and may have above the surface rings around it.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are purple
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Lawn
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Diseases
    Drought
    Insect Pests
    Pollution
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • 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:
    Leaves
    Sap/Juice