Euphorbia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Euphorbia alluaudii is a semisucculent, strongly branched shrub or small tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Madagascar, where it occurs in dry shrubland and rocky habitats. It develops numerous fleshy, cylindrical green stems bearing small, short-lived leaves and often appears almost leafless. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate individuals, and produce small greenish-yellow cyathia. Its pencil-like stems resemble those of Euphorbia tirucalli, but the two are distinct species. Two subspecies are recognized: subsp. alluaudii and subsp. oncoclada, the latter formerly known as Euphorbia oncoclada. Tirucalia alluaudii is a taxonomic synonym, while Euphorbia leucodendron is now placed under subsp. alluaudii.

Euphorbia alluaudii grows best in full sun to bright light and porous, very well-drained soil. It is adapted to seasonal drought and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings; prolonged wet conditions can cause rot. Its unusual architecture makes it suitable for succulent collections, dry tropical gardens, and containers. Frost sensitive, it is best suited outdoors to USDA Zones 10-11 and requires protection from cold elsewhere. The milky latex is irritating to skin and eyes and toxic if ingested.

Native to South Africa, Euphorbia cooperi, also referred to as the Transvaal Candelabra Tree, is a small tree typically reaching 10 to 20 feet at maturity. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and thrives in full sun and moderate water.

This hardy tree is known for its unusual, spiny trunk full of round holes. It features succulent, 4- to 6-winged branches that look like a chunky string of beads, with spines forming a spiky margin along each ridge. Clusters of yellowish-green flowers grow between the spines towards the tips of branches.

Growing Euphorbia cooperi is relatively easy as long as you can provide it with proper conditions. It prefers sunny locations and does best when planted in well-draining soil. In order to maintain the tree's shape, pruning is recommended. To allow for a wider canopy, pinch the little growing points at the end of the branches. Since it is a succulent, the tree does not require a lot of water and should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch.

For locations in colder climates, Euphorbia cooperi can be grown in a pot. It requires well-draining soil and should be repotted every spring to allow for natural growth. It should also be brought indoors, or at least to a sheltered place when temperatures drop. K eep in mind that the spines become brittle when the tree is exposed to frost, so take care when handling it.

It is also worth noting that Euphorbia cooperi is poisonous or toxic, so it is important to handle it with care, particularly when pruning. If you get the sap in your eyes, for instance, it can cause irritation.

Overall, Euphorbia cooperi is an interesting and unusual succulent tree, perfect for a rocky garden bed or a sunny place in a yard. When given proper growing conditions, it can thrive and bring a unique texture to the landscape.

Euphorbia decaryi is a dwarf, rhizomatous succulent in the Euphorbiaceae family, endemic to southern Madagascar, where it inhabits dry shrublands. It develops partially underground, corky, irregularly twisted stems that spread horizontally, forming dense mats of short leafy shoots. Its most distinctive feature is the narrow, fleshy foliage, strongly folded and crinkled, with wavy, zigzag margins and prominent raised veins. Leaves are clustered near the shoot tips and vary from green to reddish bronze, sometimes becoming copper-colored in strong sunlight. Small, nodding cyathia have yellow centers surrounded by pale tan, cream, or pinkish bracts. The species is variable, and several closely related forms are sometimes confused in cultivation.

Euphorbia decaryi grows best in bright light to full sun, with protection from intense midday heat, and a loose, mineral-rich, sharply drained substrate. Unlike many desert succulents, it benefits from regular watering during active growth rather than prolonged dryness. Reduce watering in winter, especially when growth slows. It is frost-sensitive and best grown in containers outside reliably frost-free climates, approximately USDA Zones 10-11. Shallow, wide pots accommodate its spreading rhizomes. Propagation is by cuttings or seed. The milky latex is irritating and potentially toxic.

Euphorbia decaryi var. spirosticha is a rare cultivar from a private collection of Mark Hooten, hardly known in cultivation.

Euphorbia enopla, commonly known as Pincushion Euphorbia, is a striking succulent shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It forms dense clumps of upright, cylindrical green stems that typically reach 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall. The stems are lined with prominent ribs bearing paired spines that range from bright red on new growth to gray with age, creating a dramatic contrast against the green stems. Like most euphorbias, it contains a milky latex that can irritate the skin and eyes if handled carelessly.

Small yellow to greenish-yellow cyathia appear near the stem tips, adding subtle seasonal interest without overshadowing the colorful spines. Euphorbia enopla grows best in full sun and sharply drained soil, requiring only occasional watering once established. It is highly tolerant of heat and drought but should be protected from prolonged frost, making it suitable for USDA Zones 9b-11. Its compact size, architectural form, and vivid spination make it an excellent choice for containers, rock gardens, and succulent collections.

Euphorbia geroldii, commonly known as Thornless Crown of Thorns, is an evergreen succulent shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Madagascar. It is related to the familiar Crown of Thorns, Euphorbia milii, but is distinctive for its smooth, spineless stems. The branching plant carries glossy, oval green leaves concentrated toward the ends of the shoots and can develop into a dense shrub about 3-6 ft tall. Small true flowers are surrounded by conspicuous bright red bracts, usually produced in pairs and held in clusters above the foliage. In warm conditions plants may flower repeatedly through much of the year. The combination of lush foliage, red flowers, and thornless stems makes it an attractive and relatively unusual ornamental euphorbia.

Euphorbia geroldii grows best in bright light to partial sun and warm conditions. It prefers a loose, well-drained soil or succulent mix but appreciates more regular moisture than many strongly xerophytic euphorbias; allow the surface to dry somewhat between waterings without keeping the plant excessively dry for long periods. It responds well to pruning and can be propagated from stem cuttings. This tropical species is frost sensitive and is best suited outdoors to USDA Zones 10-11 or grown as a container plant elsewhere. Like other Euphorbia, it produces irritating, toxic milky latex when damaged.

Euphorbia gottlebei is a eye-catching, small shrub is native to Madagascar, and typically grows to be 2-5 ft tall. This plant is best grown in full sun and semi-shade, however it can also tolerate semi-shade. It requires warm temperatures and moderate water - with regular watering in the summer and not letting it dry out in the winter. It is especially well-suited for xeriscaping, or dry gardening, as it can tolerate drought quite easily. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall for optimal growth.

This beautiful shrub produces red, crimson or vinous flowers. Plant sap tends to irritate the skin, so take proper precautions when handling. The stems of the Euphorbia are spiked or thorny in nature, making it an excellent border plant or low hedge. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

Euphorbia is easy to grow and maintain, but there are certain things you should consider if you live in a cold region. If you are growing Euphorbia in a pot, it should be planted in a sheltered area in winter. To protect it further, mulch the area around the base of the stem to keep frost and snow away. If you experience extremely cold temperatures in winter, bring the pot indoors and find a sunny spot to place it in.

Euphorbia grandidens (Valleybush Euphorbia) is a large shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It has dark green foliage with pale, yellowish-green veins and sharp, pointy leaf tips. This plant thrives best in full sun with moderate water but can tolerate some drought and frost.

Despite its low maintenance requirements, Euphorbia grandidens is considered an irritating plant because its leaves contain a milky latex that can trigger skin rashes or eye irritation. However, it has many ethnomedical benefits, such as relieving inflammation, treating fever, and preventing certain cancers.

The plant has thorny, spiny foliage, which can be dangerous for gardeners and house pets. It can still thrive in USDA zones 9-11 when grown in a pot. If you live in a colder region, you should bring the pot indoors before the weather gets too cold and make sure it has plenty of bright light and water. Euphorbia grandidens prefers dry soil, so avoid over-watering.

This succulent has a unique appearance with a distinctive main trunk that supports a few slender, often drooping secondary branches. Each branch bears its own whorl of long and thin foliage, which is more flexible than other euphorbias. Overall, Euphorbia grandidens is an attractive, low-maintenance succulent with a long lifespan and many health benefits. It is an excellent choice for those looking to add an interesting and highly useful plant to their garden.

Euphorbia leucocephala, commonly known as Snowbush or White Christmas Bush, is a large, much-branched shrub native to Mexico and Central America. It typically reaches 6-15 feet in height and develops a rounded, fountain-like form with slender arching branches. The narrow green leaves are attractive during the growing season but become partially hidden when the plant comes into bloom.

Rather than producing large showy flowers, Euphorbia leucocephala creates masses of tiny flowers surrounded by small creamy-white bracts. During the flowering season, these bracts cover nearly every branch, giving the entire shrub the appearance of being dusted with snow or covered in clouds of white butterflies. Blooming usually occurs from late autumn through winter, making the plant especially valuable when relatively few shrubs are flowering. Like other members of the genus, it contains a milky latex that may irritate the skin and eyes if the stems are damaged. Euphorbia leucocephala grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, it is highly tolerant of heat and short periods of drought. Suitable for USDA Zones 9b-11, it is widely grown as a specimen shrub, informal hedge, or accent plant for its spectacular winter display.

Euphorbia myrsinites is a small shrub, only growing to a height of 2-5 ft. It is a plant native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor and has a distinctive look. It is perfect for adding a unique flare to any garden, as well as for xeriscaping in dry areas. This plant is incredibly drought tolerant and can tolerate full sun as well as semi-shade. It loves moderate water and will reward you with beautiful yellow to orange flowers.

However, it is also important to note that Euphorbia myrsinites is also slightly irritating to the skin, mouth and stomach, so it is best to handle the plant with care and gloves. Cautious due to its toxicity, it is a popular option for gardeners with children and pets.

Euphorbia myrsinites is perfect for growing outdoors in USDA Zones 5 through 8 and is, surprisingly, quite cold hardy. Once it's a mature plant, it can tolerate temperatures in the low 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time.

When planting this shrub, it's best to find a suitable growing spot it can enjoy for years to come. Because of its need for good drainage, look for a well-drained, sunny locations, with enough space for the shrub to grow to its full potential. Generally, it's best to plant the shrub in early spring, when temperatures outside remain moderate.

To plant Euphorbia myrsinites in a pot, choose a container with adequate drainage holes, fill it with quality potting soil and place it in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade each day. Water the soil deeply and consistently, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before each watering. For those in cold regions, bringing the potted plant indoors each winter can help protect it from market-threatening winter cold.

Euphorbia myrsinites is an eye-catching, low maintenance shrub that is perfect for a dry and sunny spot in your garden. Its unique look and vibrant flowers are sure to bring a unique flare to your garden. Plus, this shrubs drought resistance allows for more leisurely care.

Euphorbia viguieri, or Euphorbia as it is commonly known, is a small plant native to Madagascar. It grows between 2 and 5 feet in height and tends to prefer semi-shade and moderate water conditions. It is an evergreen subshrub with striking red or crimson and vinous flowers which can be seen blooming throughout the year. As with other species of Euphorbia, it is also mildly poisonous or toxic if ingested. Not to be forgotten is its spiny, or thorny properties - no doubt a defensive mechanism from predators.

Cultivating Euphorbia is easy. It can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, in soil that has good drainage and some level of organic matter content. It's best to water Euphorbia moderately and regularly during the summers, and reduce watering during the winter months. In cold regions, Euphorbia is best grown in containers in an area that gets partial sun or semi-shade, and can be brought indoors during the winter months, if necessary. The amount of water given to Euphorbia, when grown in containers, should also be reduced during the winter months. Pruning is best done after flowering, however, it is important to wear gloves when pruning, as the plant is mildly toxic.

Euphorbia is also suited for xeriscaping, as it is drought resistant and can survive in drier climates. All in all, Euphorbia is a spectacularly resilient and captivating plant that requires minimal effort for cultivation. With its bright and vibrant flowers, it makes for a delightful addition to your garden.