Marsh Spurge

(Euphorbia palustris)

Marsh Spurge (Euphorbia palustris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Euphorbia palustris, commonly known as Marsh Spurge, is a deciduous perennial herb native to wet meadows, riverbanks, and marshes across Europe, including Central and Eastern Europe. It typically grows to about 90 cm (35 in) in both height and width. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that provide a stunning display of red and yellow hues in the autumn. In spring, Marsh Spurge produces showy, bright acid yellow flower-heads (cyathia), each up to 15 cm (6 in) across, which are highly ornamental and attract pollinators.

Marsh Spurge is valued for its seasonal color changes, offering gardeners a dynamic display throughout the year. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding qualities. This plant is well-suited for rain gardens, waterside plantings, and as a striking feature in perennial borders. It thrives in permanently moist soil conditions and requires full sun to achieve optimal growth and flowering. While it is generally easy to maintain, it is important to handle with care as the sap can be an irritant to skin and eyes. In some regions, it can be invasive, so gardeners should manage its spread to prevent it from overtaking other plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to wet meadows, riverbanks, and marshes across Europe, including Central and Eastern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Bog Spurge , Marsh Euphorbia , Strand-Vortemælk , Sumpfwolfsmilch , Sumpf-Wolfsmilch , Rantatyräkki , Euphorbe Des Marais , Strandvortemelk , Moeraswolfsmelk , Strandvortemjølk , Kärrtörel

Scientific Names: Euphorbia palustris , Tithymalus palustris , Galarhoeus palustris , Euphorbia sauliana , Euphorbia altissima var. nuda , Euphorbia brachiata , Esula palustris , Euphorbia palustris var. angustifolia , Euphorbia palustris var. brinonense , Euphorbia soongarica

GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia palustris L.