Euphorbia albomarginata
Whitemargin Sandmat
Overview
Euphorbia albomarginata is a prostrate perennial that forms flat, circular mats 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) across and under 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall, radiating from a central taproot. The slender pinkish stems carry milky sap and lie flat against the ground. Opposite leaves are round to oval, 0.1-0.3 inch (3-8 mm) long, blue-green with a thin white margin and a small reddish base. The flower structures, called cyathia, are about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide, each ringed by four white petal-like appendages around dark red glands, giving the look of a tiny single flower. Bloom continues much of the year in warm climates, heaviest from spring through fall. Three-lobed capsules follow, splitting to scatter small seeds. The species grows on sandy and gravelly desert flats, roadsides, and disturbed ground, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soil. The milky latex can irritate skin and eyes on contact. Mats lie flat enough to be walked over but break apart if heavily trampled.
Native Range
Euphorbia albomarginata is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from California and Nevada east to Texas and south into Baja California and Sonora. It grows on sandy or gravelly desert flats, mesas, washes, and roadsides below 5,000 feet (1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Used as a low filler in gravel gardens, between pavers, and on hot, dry banks where taller plants struggle, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. Suited to xeriscape and desert plantings with sharp drainage. The flowers draw small native bees and other insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 2"
Width/Spread4" - 1'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
The small white-bracted cyathia appear nearly year-round in frost-free deserts, with the heaviest bloom from spring through fall. Each cyathium opens for several days, and a mat carries flowers continuously through the warm season. Small bees, flies, and ants visit the glands for nectar.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with red glandsFoliage Description
Blue-green with white marginGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Euphorbia albomarginata in full sun on dry, sharply drained sandy or gravelly soil. It withstands intense heat, drought, and poor, alkaline ground, needing no supplemental water once established. A pH from 6.5 to 8.5 suits it, and rich or wet soil shortens its life. The plant self-sows and can colonize open gravel, paths, and bare ground. Its milky latex can irritate skin and eyes when stems are cut or crushed. Little care is needed beyond limiting irrigation.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this low mat-forming plant. Stray stems can be trimmed to shape the mat or limit its spread. Self-sown seedlings are easily pulled where not wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons