Mexican Shrubby Spurge Euphorbia cotinifolia

Smoketree spurge is a tropical shrub or small tree in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) native to Mexico and tropical South America and has attractive burgundy-red foliage. In its native habitat, it is an evergreen but will drop its leaves if the temperature drops to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be grown as a shrub or trained to tree form, but in cooler climates, it will need to be grown in a container and brought indoors for the winter. The species name, cotinifolia, means "leaves of Cotinus." The suffix, -folia, means "leaf." Cotinus is an unrelated genus in the Anacardiaceae (Sumac family) whose species are sometimes called "smoketree."

This plant does best in full sun to light shade in moist, well-drained sandy soils. In North Carolina, 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. It is not frost tolerant and is winter hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 11. It can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. 

When grown as a shrub the smoketree spurge can grow upright to 10 to 15 feet. As a tree, it can growth as tall as 30 feet and is multi-stemmed. As a container plant, it will grow much smaller. The stems are purplish, and the colorful leaves emerge red and mature to a dark burgundy. In the summer clusters of tiny white flowers appear at the end of branches. The fruits are tiny capsules with tiny seeds.

Smoketree spurge may be used as an ornamental in a container or landscape.

Insect Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems with insect pests or diseases. Monitor for aphids, spider mites, nematodes, and mealybugs. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.

The sap is poisonous so make sure to use protection such as eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, and gloves when pruning or when in contact with this plant.. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Keep out of the reach of small children and pets.

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

More information on Euphorbia.