Euphorbia corollata
flowering spurge
Overview
Euphorbia corollata is an upright herbaceous perennial reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, growing from a deep, woody taproot. Slender, smooth stems carry alternate, narrow, oblong leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long that may turn red to orange in autumn. From June through September the stems branch into open, airy clusters of small flower structures, each surrounded by five rounded white petal-like bracts about 0.25 inch (6 mm) across, giving the look of a loose white baby's breath. The true flowers at the center are tiny and greenish. All parts exude a milky white latex when cut. Dry three-lobed capsules follow and eject their seeds. The plant spreads slowly by seed, and the deep taproot makes established plants hard to move. The latex can irritate skin and eyes and is toxic if eaten. Foliage dies back to the root over winter.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Ontario and New York south to Florida and west to Nebraska and Texas. Grows in dry prairies, open woods, fields, roadsides, and sandy or rocky ground in full sun.Suggested Uses
Planted in prairie, native, and pollinator gardens and in dry meadow plantings at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. The long bloom draws many bees, wasps, and other insects, and the white clusters are used in fresh and dried arrangements. The milky latex makes it suited to spots away from where skin contact is frequent.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing 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