Griffith’s spurge Euphorbia griffithii
Griffith’s spurge (Euphorbia griffithii) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Eastern Himalaya (Bhutan, Sikkim), south-east Tibet and Yunnan. It grows 70 cm–1 m (28 in–3.3 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Griffith’s spurge at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mature height | 70 cm–1 m (28 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Himalaya (Bhutan, Sikkim), south-east Tibet and Yunnan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Griffith’s spurge toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: milky sap, all parts
The milky latex burns skin and can seriously damage the eyes: wear gloves and goggles when cutting it.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Griffith’s spurge
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Griffith’s spurge
- How far apart should I plant Griffith’s spurge?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Griffith’s spurge need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Griffith’s spurge need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Griffith’s spurge?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Griffith’s spurge flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Griffith’s spurge poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The milky latex burns skin and can seriously damage the eyes: wear gloves and goggles when cutting it.
- What grows well with Griffith’s spurge?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Griffith’s spurge. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Upright red-flushed stems topped in early summer with flaming orange-red bracts (‘Fireglow’, ‘Dixter’). Runs by rhizomes in moist soil, so give it room or a root barrier.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cassava Manihot esculenta
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum
- Crown of thorns Euphorbia milii
- Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Pará rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
- Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias
- Candlenut (kukui) Aleurites moluccanus
- Candelabra tree (naboom) Euphorbia ingens