Cypress Spurge
Euphorbia cyparissias
Also listed as Galarhoeus cyparissias, Tithymalus cyparissias
Also known as Graveyard Spurge, Cemetary Spurge
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cypress Spurge grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A fine-textured, needle-like perennial that produces chartreuse flowers and foliage in spring, turning reddish in autumn. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and suitable for rock gardens or dry borders.
Why grow it
Cypress spurge offers fine texture and early season color interest uncommon among drought-tolerant perennials, with needle-like foliage and chartreuse flowers that shift to reddish tones. Once established, it requires minimal supplemental water and performs well in poor soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it suitable for low-maintenance xeric gardens or rocky sites. It presents a useful alternative to coarser sedums or junipers for gardeners seeking a more delicate visual character in dry settings.
Watch out for
This plant self-seeds readily in favorable conditions and may require deadheading or periodic removal to prevent unwanted spread within the garden. In regions outside its prohibited range, monitor for seedling establishment in adjacent areas if naturalistic conditions are present.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Central and Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fine-textured, needle-like perennial that produces chartreuse flowers and foliage in spring, turning reddish in autumn. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and suitable for rock gardens or dry borders.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cypress Spurge grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cypress spurge offers fine texture and early season color interest uncommon among drought-tolerant perennials, with needle-like foliage and chartreuse flowers that shift to reddish tones. Once established, it requires minimal supplemental water and performs well in poor soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it suitable for low-maintenance xeric gardens or rocky sites. It presents a useful alternative to coarser sedums or junipers for gardeners seeking a more delicate visual character in dry settings.
Watch out for
This plant self-seeds readily in favorable conditions and may require deadheading or periodic removal to prevent unwanted spread within the garden. In regions outside its prohibited range, monitor for seedling establishment in adjacent areas if naturalistic conditions are present.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Central and Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.