code: 971
It is very adaptable …
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common name: Cypress spurge
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 12 cm
Maximum Height: 25 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 8
In the spring showy lime-yellow bracts open which slowly age to red, on thin stems bearing narrow, bluish-green, linear leaves. This unusual plant superficially resembles that of a very tiny spruce or cypress tree, hence the common name. It is very adaptable, but can be invasive by underground runners in rich soils.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Bloom Time: April to June
Bloom Description: Yellow aging to red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Naturalize
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Air Pollution
Invasive: Where is this species invasive in the US?
This plant is listed as a noxious weed and should not be moved or grown under conditions that would involve danger of dissemination.
Culture
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.
Noteworthy 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 1.5″ 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.
Uses:
Insufficient Evidence for
Constipation.
Corns.
Diarrhea.
Fluid retention.
Lung problems.
Skin problems.
Toothache.
Warts.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Euphorbia cyparissias for these uses.
Side Effects & Safety
When taken by mouth: Euphorbia cyparissias is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. The plant contains a poisonous white milky liquid (white latex) and chemicals that can cause cancer. Both the fresh and dried products are unsafe. Euphorbia cyparissias can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and burning of the mouth. In large amounts it causes dilation of the pupils, dizziness, severe diarrhea, near unconsciousness, irregular heartbeat, and collapse
When applied to the skin: Euphorbia cyparissias is UNSAFE. It can cause rash, reddening, itching, burning, and blisters. Getting Euphorbia cyparissias in the eye can cause swelling of the eye and eyelid, as well as damage to the cornea and other parts of the eye.
