Is cypress spurge invasive?
Cypress spurge can be invasive in some regions due to its vigorous spreading habit. It is listed as a noxious weed in several US states.
Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is a hardy perennial with fine, needle-like foliage and yellow-green bracts, often used in dry, sunny borders and rock gardens.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Watering
Allow soil to dry between waterings
Soil
Well-drained soil
Temperature
Tolerates a wide range
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Rarely needed
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and compact growth.
Water
Allow soil to dry between waterings
Drought tolerant once established, avoid overwatering.
Soil
Well-drained soil
Temperature
Tolerates a wide range
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, tolerates heat and cold well when established.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Rarely needed
Does not require regular feeding; thrives in average to poor soil.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Place Type
Garden, Pot
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
0.2-0.4 m
Spread
0.3-0.5 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
Yes
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Linear
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Esula cupressina Gray
Esula cyparissias (L.) Haw.
Euphorbia degenerata D.Dietr.
Euphorbia esuloides (DC.) Ten.
Euphorbia tyraica Klokov & Artemczuk
Galarhoeus cyparissias (L.) Small ex Rydb.
Keraselma cyparissias (L.) Raf.
Tithymalus acicularis Dulac
Tithymalus cinerea Raf.
Tithymalus cyparissias (L.) Hill
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderMalpighiales
- familyEuphorbiaceae
- genusEuphorbia
- speciesEuphorbia cyparissias
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 4/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 4/5
Edible
No
The sap of Euphorbia cyparissias is a skin irritant and can cause blistering. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additional Care Tips
Water cypress spurge sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot. During prolonged dry spells, a deeper watering can be beneficial, but always ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Prune cypress spurge after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent excessive self-seeding. Cut back stems to the ground or to a desired height to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Remove any dead or damaged stems at any time.
Cypress spurge is easily propagated by division in spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and shoots. Replant immediately in well-draining soil.
Cypress spurge is a vigorous grower and may benefit from division every few years, which serves as a form of repotting. If the plant becomes overcrowded or outgrows its space, divide the clumps in spring or fall and replant them into fresh, well-draining soil.
FAQs
What are the care requirements for Euphorbia cyparissias?
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering.
How tall does cypress spurge grow?
Cypress spurge typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches).
When does cypress spurge bloom?
It blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, yellow-green flowers subtended by bright bracts.
Is the sap of cypress spurge dangerous?
Yes, the milky latex sap of cypress spurge is toxic and can cause skin irritation, blistering, and eye inflammation. Handle with care and wear gloves.