Euphorbia hypericifolia

Graceful spurge is an annual or perennial, branched herb, spreading to erect, and growing up to 1.5 feet tall. It is native to the Tropical and Subtropical Americas including the southern United States, Central America, and South America. It can be found in pine forests, disturbed areas, roadsides, beds, and nursery containers. This plant can spread invasively, particularly in places where it has been introduced such as the Pacific Islands. In North Carolina, it can be grown annually or brought inside for the winter months. The specific epithet, hypericifolia, was selected due to this plant's leaves resembling the leaves of Hypericum or St. John's Wort. Graceful spurge is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and in very hot climates, partial shade in the afternoon is appreciated. It requires well-drained soils and is poor soils tolerant. It is winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. It is also deer, rabbit, dry soil, drought, and air pollution tolerant. It can be a fast-growing weed. The seeds have no dormancy period and can germinate very quickly. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.

The stems are erect, red, round, and measure 6 to 18 inches tall. The leaves are green, simple, opposite, and elliptic to oblong. The flowers themselves are insignificant, but they are surrounded by showy, large, long-lasting, white bracts. There is no deadheading needed, and it will bloom from the spring to the first frost ot the fall.. As with most euphorbias, the stems and leaves contains a milky sap that is a skin and eye irritant.

Use this plant in a border front, rock gardens, containers, and hanging pots. If bringing this plant inside for the winter, cut it back and place it in a sunny window.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. Overwatering can be lethal to the plant.

This plant is problematic in container nurseries and is often found in plant containers. Hand weeding is labor intensive. Preemergence herbicides provide some control.

Graceful spurge is toxic if ingested. Keep out of the reach of small children and pets. Wear protective gloves when handling this plant since the milky sap is a skin and eye irritant.

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

More information on Euphorbia.