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(Euphorbia cotinifolia)
Mexican Shrubby Spurge (Euphorbia cotinifolia)
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Vega Camila
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Vega Camila
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Vega Camila | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Vega Camila (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Vega Camila | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2019-05-01T11:14:25.314Z | Title: Euphorbia cotinifolia L.: flower | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Euphorbia cotinifolia, commonly known as Mexican Shrubby Spurge, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to tropical deciduous forests and scrub areas in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. It typically grows to 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 4.6 meters) when cultivated as a shrub but can reach up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) as a tree. The plant is characterized by its broad, ovate leaves that are a striking reddish-purple color, which makes it a popular ornamental. Its small white flowers, which appear in summer, are not particularly showy but are complemented by creamy bracts at the branch tips. The purplish stems contain a milky sap that is a skin irritant and should be handled with care.
Mexican Shrubby Spurge is valued for its colorful foliage that adds a tropical flair to gardens. It is often used in urban landscapes, as a specimen plant, or in containers. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun exposure to develop its best leaf color. It is relatively easy to maintain but is sensitive to wind, salt spray, and frost, which can damage the foliage and stems. It is important to note that the sap can cause skin irritation, so wearing gloves when handling the plant is recommended. Despite its hardiness, it may require protection or be brought indoors in areas where frost is a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mexican Shrubby Spurge is valued for its colorful foliage that adds a tropical flair to gardens. It is often used in urban landscapes, as a specimen plant, or in containers. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun exposure to develop its best leaf color. It is relatively easy to maintain but is sensitive to wind, salt spray, and frost, which can damage the foliage and stems. It is important to note that the sap can cause skin irritation, so wearing gloves when handling the plant is recommended. Despite its hardiness, it may require protection or be brought indoors in areas where frost is a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 10-15 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Tropical deciduous forests and scrub areas in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Smoketree Spurge, Tropical Smoke Bush, Caribbean Copper Plant, Tropical Smokebush, Caribbean Copperplant, Lechero, Cotinilla, Cobrizo, Koppareuforbia
Scientific Names: , Euphorbia cotinifolia, Aklema cotinifolia, Alectoroctonum cotinifolium, Euphorbia scotana, Euphorbia scotana var. yavalquahuitl, Tithymalus cotinifolius,
GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia cotinifolia L.