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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurges) |
| Origin: Europe, Southeastern (Europe) |
| Flower Color: Yellow Green |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: < 0 °F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge) - An attractive low growing succulent evergreen perennial that grows to 6 inches tall with stout trailing 1 foot long stems that have clasping spirally-arranged nearly triangular blue-gray leaves. The stems, radiating from the center of the plant, rise up at the tips from which the terminally borne flowers emerge in late winter to early spring. The flowers and their subtending bracts are initially greenish-yellow but deepen to a red hue by summer. Plant in full sun. This hardy plant is tolerant of very cold winter temperatures (to as low as -20 °F), summer heat and little irrigation but requires well-draining soils. Trim out old stems as they yellow and though short lived in warm winter climates, it will often reseed. This has not been a problem in our mediterranean climate but this plant is listed as a noxious weed in many parts of the world and is so listed by the states of Washington, Oregon and Colorado. Be very cautious when trimming or handling this plant - as with many in this family the sap is toxic and has been reported to be an irritant to the skin and eyes but it also prevents browsing from rabbits, deer and gophers. It is an attractive rock garden setting, as a container plant or a small scale groundcover and looks great trailing over a wall. Myrtle Spurge is native from southeastern Europe east to central Asia and the specific epithet is in reference to Myrsine or 'mursinh', the Greek name for the Myrtle because the shape of the leaves of this plant somewhat resemble. Other common names include Creeping Spurge and Donkey Tail.
This information about Euphorbia myrsinites displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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