Myrtle Spurge Euphorbia myrsinites
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-ah mer-sin-EYE-teez
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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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.
- 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:
- 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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Poisonous
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Plants spread primarily by seed and are capable of projecting seeds up to 15 feet.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
