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Myrtle Euphorbia Euphorbia myrsinites

Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-ah mer-sin-EYE-teez
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Myrtle spurge is a herbaceous, evergreen, perennial with 8 to 15 inch long trailing stems and fleshy blue-gray leaves. You will have more success growing the plant under full sun in dry, well-drained soils; however, 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 and the plant does not thrive in warm winter climates. Small greenish flowers are contained within brassy yellow bracts that bloom for a short time in spring.

The plant self-seeds with abandon (projecting seeds up to 15 feet) and you should promptly remove spent flowers to prevent any unwanted spread. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent contact with the milky sap.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: The leafy spurge flea beetle is a threat to the plant; other than that, there are no known plant problems. This plant is listed as a noxious weed in some western states and as invasive in others.

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#poisonous#houseplant#drought tolerant#groundcover#border planting#self-seeding#perennial weeds#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#th-sight
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#drought tolerant#groundcover#border planting#self-seeding#perennial weeds#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#th-sight
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    myrsinites
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Europe to North Iran
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer and drought resistant
    Edibility:
    toxic
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Poisonous
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Plants spread primarily by seed and are capable of projecting seeds up to 15 feet.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Non-showy greenish flowers subtended by showy yellow bracts bloom in spring, March to April. It will self-seed, so you should remove old flowers to prevent an unwanted spread of the plant.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Spatulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Blue-green, succulant-like leaves are closely set in a close spiral around the stems. The leaves are spirally arranged, fleshy, pale glaucous bluish-green, up to 3/4 of an inch long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Description:
    Prostrate wood base produces trailing stems that rise at the tips. Sprawling stems grow 8 to 15 inches long.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Rock Wall
    Walkways
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Pollution
    Poor Soil
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters in milky latex.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems