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Smoketree Spurge Euphorbia cotinifolia

Previously known as:

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

Euphorbia cotinifolia has colorful leaves. Although this plant is evergreen in mild climates, it loses its leaves if the temperature drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit and frost could damage the plant.

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

Shrub versus Tree: Height can vary from a shrub (up to 15 feet tall), or a small tree (15 to 30 feet tall). You can grow in a container and keep smaller so it can be brought inside in the winter.

Meaning behind the Name:  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."

Insect Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: While this plant does not have any major insect pests or diseases, its roots may rot (usually in soils that are not well-drained) and aphids, spider mites, nematodes, and mealybugs may be a problem.

 

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:
#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#dappled sunlight#deer resistant#burgundy leaves#burgundy#partial shade tolerant#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#dappled sunlight#deer resistant#burgundy leaves#burgundy#partial shade tolerant#tropical feel
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    cotinifolia
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to South America
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer, rabbit, air pollution, drought, some light shade (dappled sunlight), 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:
    Annual
    Houseplant
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Multi-trunked
    Open
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    In early summer (June), this plant has white flowers in an inflorescence of a panicle. There are also bracts (white/cream), and flowers may not have petals.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are colorful (red/burgundy), thin, about 4.5 inches long, and roundish.
  • 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
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Diseases
    Drought
    Insect Pests
    Pollution
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    The actual stem is not poisonous: the white sap (appears milky and is generally inside the stem) is poisonous (through ingestion and dermatitis). If on skin, sap is irritating. If gotten in eye, it is very irritating causing blurred vision and burning. (Though some eyes have dealt with the following symptoms: corneal edema, kerato-conjunctivitis, epithelial defects, secondary elevated intraocular pressure, or anterior uveitis.) It may not feel irritated at first but can feel irritated hours later. If ingested, you may have more serious symptoms: organs could be damaged.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Stems