Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge)

Scientific Name

Euphorbia myrsinites L.

Common Name(s)

Myrtle Spurge, Myrtle Euphorbia, Donkey Tail Spurge, Donkey Tail, Blue Spurge, Broad-Leaved Glaucous Spurge, Creeping Spurge

Synonym(s)

Euphorbia myrsinites subsp. myrsinites, Endoisila myrsinites, Euphorbion myrsinitum, Galarhoeus myrsinites, Murtekias myrsinites, Tithymalus myrsinites

Scientific Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia

Flower

Color: Greenish-yellow
Bloom Time: Summer

Description

Euphorbia myrsinites is an attractive low-growing succulent with sprawling stems growing up to 16 inches (40 cm) long. The leaves are spirally arranged, fleshy, pale glaucous bluish-green, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Flowers and their subtending bracts are initially greenish-yellow but deepen to a red hue by summer.

How to Grow and Care

Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. More die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don't let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. Feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly if you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.

Origin

This species is native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, from Italy east through the Balkans to the Crimea and Turkey.

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