Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 656 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Euphorbia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & SE. Europe to NW. Türkiye, Libya
Description
Cushion spurge, scientifically named Euphorbia epithymoides, is a captivating perennial plant cherished for its vibrant display of colors and intriguing form. First described in the second edition of Species Plantarum in 1762 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has made a lasting impression on plant enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
Belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, the cushion spurge is native to a rather extensive geographical range that includes Central and Southeastern Europe, Northwestern Türkiye, and Libya. This wide distribution highlights its adaptability to various climatic conditions and terrains, making it a resilient and versatile addition to gardens worldwide.
One of the most striking features of the cushion spurge is its distinctive cushion-like mound of foliage, which can reach a height and spread of about 30-50 cm. During the spring, this neatly rounded mass of leaves gives way to a profusion of bright, golden-yellow bracts that surround the small, less conspicuous flowers. These bracts, often mistaken for petals, provide a long-lasting splash of color that can illuminate any garden space. The vibrant display typically lasts until early summer, after which the plant retains its structural appeal with its dense, green foliage.
The cushion spurge thrives best in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a flexible choice for various garden settings. Additionally, the plant is known for its drought tolerance, which makes it an excellent option for xeriscaping and low-maintenance garden designs.
Despite its beauty, it’s important to handle cushion spurge with care. Like many other members of the Euphorbiaceae family, Euphorbia epithymoides produces a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Gardeners are advised to wear gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid contact with this potentially irritating latex.
In summary, cushion spurge is a remarkable ornamental plant that brings both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits to the garden. With its early-season color, drought resistance, and neat, cushion-like growth habit, Euphorbia epithymoides is a delightful addition that requires minimal maintenance while providing maximum impact.
Common Names
Eng: cushion spurge
Fra: euphorbe, euphorbe dorée, euphorbe polychrome
Dan: forårs-vortemælk
Deu: vielfarbige wolfsmilch, bunte wolfsmilch
Swe: gulltörel
Pol: wilczomlecz pstry
Nld: kleurige wolfsmelk
En: Cushion spurge
Bg: Многоцветна млечка
Cs: Pryšec mnohobarvý
Da: Forårs-vortemælk
Nl: Kleurige wolfsmelk
Fi: Kultatyräkki
Fr: Euphorbe dorée, Euphorbe polychrome, Euphorbe
De: Bunte Wolfsmilch, Vielfarbige Wolfsmilch, Bunte Wolfmilch, Gold-Wolfsmilch
Hu: Színeváltó kutyatej
Pl: Wilczomlecz pstry
Ru: Молочай многоцветный
Es: Euforbio cojín
Sv: Gulltörel
Uk: Молочай багатобарвний
Synonyms
- Euphorbia fragifera (Schur)
- Euphorbia microsperma ((Murb.) K.Malý)
- Euphorbia epithymoides f. glabrescens (Rostanski)
- Euphorbia polychroma (A.Kern.)
- Tithymalus epithymoides ((L.) Klotzsch & Garcke)
- Euphorbia epithymoides var. jacquinii (Fiori)
- Euphorbia epithymoides var. glaberrima (H.Lindb.)
- Euphorbia polychroma var. microsperma (Murb.)
- Euphorbia epithymoides subsp. lingulata ((Heuff.) Nyman)
- Tithymalus fragifer (Klotzsch & Garcke)
- Euphorbia lingulata (Heuff.)
- Pythius epithymoides ((L.) Raf.)
- Euphorbia epithymoides var. polychroma ((A.Kern.) Nyman)
- Euphorbia polychroma f. longifolia (Beck)
- Euphorbia polychroma subsp. microsperma ((Murb.) Beck)
- Euphorbia polychroma f. denticulata (Rohlena)
- Euphorbia polychroma subsp. lingulata ((Heuff.) Soó)
- Euphorbia jacquinii (Fenzl ex Boiss.)
- Tithymalus lingulatus ((Heuff.) Soják)
- Galarhoeus epithymoides ((L.) Haw.)
- Tithymalus jacquinii ((Fenzl ex Boiss.) Soják)
- Tithymalus epithymoides var. microspermus ((Murb.) Soják)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Libya (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Romania (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Finland (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Roger Horton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 18, 2021 by LFode (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2020 by dala raf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Arlene Rennie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Barbara Funck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 5, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 19, 2021 by Hansjörg Hagels (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by victor belloc (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Ma Burg (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3066112)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:346404-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia epithymoides L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb