Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) Euphorbia myrsinites
Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) (Euphorbia myrsinites) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Mountains of southern Europe and western Asia. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) in your garden →
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Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of southern Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | Colorado, Utah, Oregon and other western US states (a listed noxious weed): check local rules before planting |
Is Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: milky sap
The milky latex burns skin and eyes; children have been hurt handling 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 Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge)
- How far apart should I plant Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge) flower?
- From about April for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail 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 eyes; children have been hurt handling it.
- What grows well with Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Myrtle spurge (donkey-tail spurge). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Trailing stems clothed in fleshy, round blue-grey leaves like a donkey’s tail, ending in lime-yellow flower heads in spring. Self-seeds explosively: it is a banned noxious weed in Colorado and other western US states.
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