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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Euphorbia cyparissias

Cypress Spurge, Graveyard Spurge

Scientific Name:

Euphorbia cyparissias

Genus:

Euphorbia

Species Epithet:

cyparissias

Common Name:

Cypress Spurge, Graveyard Spurge

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)

Native/Alien:

Not Native to US

Size:

0-1 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

Yellow

Light:

Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day

Bloom Time:

March, April, May

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

Roadbanks, graveyards, waste places. Common in the NC Mountains and Piedmont, rare on the Coastal Plain.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate, Whorled

Leaf Retention:

Nothing Specified

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Not Assigned

Landscape Value:

Not Recommended for home landscapes

State Rank:

(*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

State Status:

(*Key)

Notes:

This European native is considered invasive in some states. It exudes a milky sap that can be a skin irritant; avoid getting the sap in your eyes.

Plants

I have often noticed this plant growing in large colonies - but I was always in the car, driving, and never could get a close look at it. I saw these in a parking lot and was able to take photos.

image

Tarwheels Skating Rink parking lot, Swannanoa, 16 April 2002
© MB Baumeister

Blooms

The bloom is in the center of the lighter bracts.

image

Tarwheels Skating Rink parking lot, Swannanoa, 16 April 2002
© MB Baumeister

Foliage

The foliage looks quite soft, even from a distance.

image

Tarwheels Skating Rink parking lot, Swannanoa, 16 April 2002
© MB Baumeister

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record



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