Flowering spurge prefers full to partial sun and dry conditions. This hardy species tolerates almost any kind of soil, including loam, clay, sand, gravel, or rocky material as long as they are well-drained. Thriving in poor soil is an advantage for this plant because it reduces competition. It tends not to perform well in areas with rich soils and high competition. Once established, it is tolerant of drought as well as rocky, sandy and/or clay soils.

It may be propagated by division, root cuttings, or seeds.

Ecosystem Impacts

Many types of birds eat the seeds of Flowering Spurge, including bobwhite, quail, wild turkey, Horned Lark, and mourning doves. The pollen and nectar of the flowers attract a wide variety of native pollinators including Halictid bees, small butterflies, the endangered Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samulelis); and more. Other insects feed on the sap, foliage, and other parts of Flowering Spurge. Flowering Spurge is rarely eaten by mammalian herbivores because of the toxic white latex in its foliage.

Euphorbia corollata

Euphorbia corollata Flower

Plant Information

Common Name: flowering spurge

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Height: 0.50 to 3.00 feet

Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet

Root System: Taproot

Bloom Time: June to September

Bloom Description: White

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Dry to medium

Maintenance: Low

Flower: Showy, Good Cut

Attracts: Birds, Butterflies

Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil

Information from Illinois Wildflowers and North Carolina Extension