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Plant Guide

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Euphorbia characias wulfenii

  • Common Name
    Spurge
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Succulent
  • Size
    3' - 5' High 3' - 4' Wide
  • Flower Color
    Yellow
  • Bloom Time
    • Summer
  • Leaves
    Blue-green
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
  • Deer Resistant
    Rarely Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Butterfly & Other Insect Nectar
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    Invasive
  • Special Features
    • Low Maintenance
    • Specimen
  • Water Use
    • Drought Tolerant
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    • Full Sun
    • Partial Shade
    • Shade
  • Soil Type
    Rocky
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    Self-sows freely.  Stalks may be cut back to the ground when the blooms fade.

     

  • Master Gardener Comments

     This large blue-green plant with chartreuse flower bracts is quite showy.  It can be used as a specimen or a hedge plant.  Can be invasive if not pruned after blooming.  Take care when pruning as the white sticky sap (as with all euphorbias) can irritate the skin. Is poisious if ingested. (related to ponsettias)

     

  • Varietals

    ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ is a little smaller (2’ X 3’) and has variegated foliage. 

    ‘Lambrook gold’ has a purer yellow flower.