Cypress Spurge

(Euphorbia cyparissias)

Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)

Andreas Rockstein

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Andreas Rockstein

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Andreas Rockstein | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: anro0002 | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Euphorbia cyparissias, commonly known as Cypress Spurge, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open forests, and scrub areas across Europe, Siberia, and the Mediterranean region. This species typically grows between 8 inches (20 cm) and 16 inches (40 cm) in height. Cypress Spurge is notable for its showy, petal-like bracts that surround the actual flowers; these bracts are green-yellow at first, maturing to purple or red from May to August, creating a striking display. The plant’s true flowers are inconspicuous and are present in the spring and summer. Its leaves are small, linear, and measure up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long by 1 to 2 mm (1⁄32 to 3⁄32 in) wide. The mature fruit explosively disperses seeds, aiding in its spread.

Cypress Spurge is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for rock gardens and xeriscaping. However, its aggressive root system and prolific seeding can make it invasive, particularly in North America where it can outcompete native vegetation. It is best grown in full sun, with low water requirements, and in well-drained soils. Due to its invasive nature, it is not recommended for planting outside its native range without careful consideration of its potential impact on local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.8-1 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Grasslands, open forests, and scrub areas across Europe, Siberia, and the Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names: Cemetary Spurge, Graveyard Spurge, Llaethlys Cypreswydd, Cypres-Vortemælk, Zypressen-Wolfsmilch, Tarhatyräkki, Euphorbe Cyprès, Euphorbe Petit-Cyprès, Rhubarbe Des Pauvres, Sypressvortemelk

Scientific Names: , Euphorbia cyparissias, Tithymalus cyparissias, Euphorbia esuloides, Euphorbia tyraica, Euphorbia cyparissias var. esuloides, Euphorbia cyparissias var. major, Galarhoeus cyparissias, Esula cupressina, Esula cyparissias

GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia cyparissias L.