Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites
Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. DO NOT PLANT. Listed as Colorado noxious weed (List A), must be removed. Sap is dangerously caustic.
low water4–8 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogsInvasive in Colorado
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Euphorbia myrsinites
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Growth habit
- Trailing
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
Things to know before you plant
- Invasive, do not plantListed on Colorado's noxious weed list (List A, eradication required by law). Reseeds aggressively into open landscapes and natural areas. Milky sap causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Many Colorado counties actively eradicate this species.
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- Self-seedsIt self-seeds readily, so edit the seedlings to keep it in bounds.
Wildlife & ecology
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Using Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge as a groundcover
Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge trails and roots as it goes. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge?
- The main things to know: Listed on Colorado's noxious weed list (List A, eradication required by law). Reseeds aggressively into open landscapes and natural areas. Milky sap causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Many Colorado counties actively eradicate this species. Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. It self-seeds readily, so edit the seedlings to keep it in bounds.
- How big does Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge get?
- It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge?
- Space Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge hardy on the Front Range?
- Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge safe for dogs?
- No. Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge deer-resistant?
- No. Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge a good firewise plant near the house?
- Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge?
- Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Will Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge spread or stay put?
- Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge is trailing. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge stay green in winter?
- Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurge keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
