Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)

Cypress spurge

Features and Characteristics

Euphorbia cyparissias, commonly called cypress spurge, is an erect, branching, rhizomatous perennial which typically grows to 12″ tall and can rapidly spread to form a bushy ground cover. Numerous tiny flowers appear in umbel-like clusters in spring. Flowers lack petals and sepals, and primarily consist of showy lime-yellow bracts which age to red. Narrow, bluish-green, linear leaves (to 5″ long). Stems and leaves contain a milky sap which is poisonous. Plant foliage superficially resembles that of a tiny spruce or cypress tree, hence the common name.

Genus name probably honors Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauretania.

Specific epithet refers to the cypress-like foliage.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Quite tolerant of poor soils, including rocky, sandy ones. Eight to ten plants per square yard are sufficient to quickly form a dense ground cover. Spreads by rhizomes and can be quite invasive, particularly in rich, moist soils. Also freely reseeds.

Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Invasiveness can be a significant problem, particularly if plants are grown in close proximity to valuable garden perennials.

Uses

Best as a ground cover on dry, sunny slopes or other sunny areas that are well-spaced from perennial plantings. Probably too invasive for the border.

Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) Details

Common name	Cypress spurge
Botanical name	Euphorbia cyparissias
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Euphorbiaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Water	Dry
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Yellow aging to red
Flowering period	April - June
Height	0.75 to 1 ft.
Width	1 - 1.50 feet