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Products > Euphorbia myrsinites
 
Euphorbia myrsinites - Myrtle Spurge
   
Image of Euphorbia myrsinites
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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 our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.

 
We closed for regular business at the end of 2025 in order for the property to be developed for affordable housing.
Our gates remain closed but we will open them by appointment to interested parties through August 21st to liquidate remaining plants, supplies and equipment.
The plants remaining in the field are listed on our
Live Inventory Page.
 
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