This non-native evergreen Euphorbia loves our climate. It will take the cold, which many Euphorbias will not tolerate. It will lose some of its bright healthy looking luster during the winter, especially if it sits under a heavy blanket of snow, but it will quickly beautify itself come spring. It's in bloom right now, showing off its greenish-yellow flowers, so lovely to see this time of year.

This particular Euphorbia does not require rich soil; even unprepared, rocky, sandy soils will do just fine, but it does demand good drainage. And it does its very best in full sun.

Also called Creeping Spurge, Donkey Tail Spurge, and Myrtle Spurge, it is a popular choice for rock gardens, container gardens and low borders. Because it self-seeds, it works well as a xeric ground cover. It also drapes itself well over rock walls and container rims.

But be cautioned: this plant, like many types of euphorbia, can irratate the skin. Handle with care, and always use gloves. When stems and leaves are broken, they emit a white, milky latex that should not be touched or ingested. Also, this plant is considered an invasive weed in some parts of the west, like Colorado. The only Euphorbia growing in Nevada considered to be invasive is the Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula).

There is a Euphorbia -- Woodland Spurge (Euphorbia palmeri) -- that is native to Nevada and California. For more information, see the Spurge entry in our ongoing Dry Creek Garden Plant Index.