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Stillingia spp.
queens delight
Americas, with some species in Asia and the Pacific
Overview
Stillingia spp. is a genus of about 30 species of herbs and shrubs in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native chiefly to the Americas, with some species in eastern Asia and the Pacific. Most are perennials with milky latex sap, growing 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) tall from a woody rootstock, with erect, often unbranched stems and alternate, toothed leaves. Small flowers without petals are borne in terminal spikes, with yellow-green male flowers above a few female flowers at the base, in the manner typical of the spurge family. The most familiar species, S. sylvatica, called queens delight, grows in sandy pinelands of the southeastern United States and has a long history of medicinal use. Three-lobed capsules follow, splitting to eject seeds. Like other spurges, Stillingia spp. contains an irritant milky latex and is toxic if eaten, with sap that can irritate skin and eyes. The genus grows on dry, sandy, well-drained soils in full sun, tolerating heat, drought, and poor ground, and is generally short-lived on rich or wet soils.
Native Range
Stillingia spp. is native mainly to the Americas, from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America into South America, with additional species in eastern Asia and on Pacific islands. S. sylvatica grows in dry, sandy pine woodland and scrub of the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Stillingia spp. is used in native, prairie, and sandy dry-soil plantings in warm regions, and S. sylvatica appears in restoration of southeastern pinelands. Its drought tolerance suits low-water and pollinator gardens on poor soils. Use is limited by its irritant sap and preference for lean, sandy ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
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