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Products > Euphorbia myrsinites
 
Euphorbia myrsinites - Myrtle Spurge
   
Image of Euphorbia myrsinites
[2nd Image]
Habit and Cultural Information
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
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. 

The information displayed on this page about Euphorbia myrsinites is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.

 
San Marcos Growers, established in 1979, closed for regular business on December 23rd 2025 as the property will be developed for affordable housing.
The gates are closed but we will be open by appointment only as we liquidate remaining plants, supplies and equipment. Our remaining plants are listed on our Live Inventory Page.
 
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