Smoketree Spurge Euphorbia cotinifolia
Other Common Name(s):
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
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Bark Description:
- Bark is light brown and may have above the surface rings around it.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems are purple
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Drought
- Insect Pests
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
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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
