Planting and Growing the Flowering Spurge

Flowering spurge is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family of plants. It is native to the United States. Botanically, it is known as Euphorbia corollata, or by the synonyms Tithymalopsis corollata or Euphorbia corollata var. angustifolia.

Flowering Spurge Description

Growing up to three feet high, this perennial flowering plant has bright green stems and bright green leaves. Leaves are in whorls. Flowers are tiny and are surrounded by white petal-like bracts. Blooms are clustered and on tops of the stems. Bloom season is between June and October.

Growing Guide

Flowering spurge likes to grow in full sun conditions and a dry soil. It is drought tolerant. Propagate by seeds, clump division, or by root cuttings. Division is done in spring or fall. Seed should be sown fresh in the fall or after moist stratification in the spring season.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in prairies, woodlands, roadsides, and fields.

Warnings

The milky sap can cause skin irritation and all parts of the plant are poisonous. It has diterpene esters in the latex, which is its poisonous compound. Large doses can be fatal and it has been known to cause death in cattle that graze on it.

Source: NPIN