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Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers

Euphorbia myrsinites

Myrtle Spurge

Euphorbia myrsinites
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Height
8 to 12 inches
Width
18 to 24 inches
Flower color
Small, yellow-green flowers
Foliage color
Blue-green with a powdery or waxy coating
Bloom time
Spring
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low; drought tolerant once established
Maintenance
Low
Growing zone
5 to 9
Wildlife
The flowers attract pollinators

About this plant

Euphorbia myrsinites, commonly known as myrtle spurge or donkey tail spurge, is a low-growing succulent perennial native to southern Europe and western Asia, prized for its unique and attractive foliage. In spring, it produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers surrounded by bright yellow bracts, adding to its ornamental appeal. The plant's sprawling, fleshy stems are blue-green and lined with spirally arranged, cylindrical leaves with a distinctive powdery coating.

Myrtle Spurge thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it well-suited for rock gardens, dry slopes, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. It is a tough, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance plant, but care should be taken when handling it, as all parts contain a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.

Works well in

Rock Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Borders · Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Lavender · Blue oat grass · Stonecrops · Red hot poker · Candytufts · Rockroses

Design tip

Position this architectural groundcover where its cascading stems can spill naturally over retaining walls, boulders, or raised beds. Pair broad sweeps with upright accent plants to create bold contrasts in form while reinforcing the clean geometry of dry gardens.