Euphorbia myrsinites

Myrtle spurge is a herbaceous, evergreen, perennial with a woody base. It grows 4 to 8 inches tall and has 6-inch to 2 feet long trailing stems with fleshy blue-gray leaves. It is member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). This plant is native to Southern Europe to Northern Iran.  It is found in rocky or grassy areas in its native habitats. In the western United States, it is considered a noxious weed; however, in other areas it is considered a good garden plant. The specific epithet, myrsinites, references its similarity to the plants in the genus Myrsine.

You will have more success growing this plant under full sun in dry, well-drained soils.It tolerates poor soils, including rocky and sandy soils, and drought. While it is an evergreen, cold temperatures and exposure to wind will negatively impact the foliage. It does not thrive in warm winter climates. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. The plant self-seeds with abandon and can project seeds up to 15 feet. You should promptly remove spent flowers to prevent any unwanted spread. In the spring or early summer, it can also be propagated by division or basal cuttings.

The plant has an ascending to trailing habit. The leaves are oval, bluish-green, glaucous, waxy,  fleshy with pointed tips, and are arranged spirally around the stems. Small yellow-greenish cupped flowers are contained within brassy yellow bracts that bloom for a short time in spring. The fruits are a bluish-green capsule that contains 3 seeds.

Myrtle spurge could be used as a container planting, border plant, groundcover, rock wall, or used in a rock garden. 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for aphids and mealybugs. The leafy spurge flea beetle is also a threat to the plant. If the soil is too wet, fungal or bacterial rot can occur. This plant is listed as a noxious weed in some western states such as California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. This plant can spread aggressively and is difficult to control.

Be sure to wear protective gloves to prevent contact with the milky sap that is toxic and can cause skin and eye irritation. It is also poisonous if ingested. Keep out of 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.