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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Euphorbia myrsinites

Myrtle Spurge

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)