Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: Pursh
Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 607 (1814)
Year: 1814
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Euphorbia
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. & C. U.S.A. to E. & S. Mexico
Description
Variegated spurge, known scientifically as Euphorbia marginata, is a striking and versatile plant valued for its ornamental qualities. Originating from the family Euphorbiaceae, this plant is widely recognized for its unique variegated foliage which contributes a bright and decorative presence in various landscape settings.
Euphorbia marginata was first described and cataloged in botanical literature by Pursh in 1814, as referenced in his work “Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 607.” This plant’s natural habitat spans a broad range from the western and central regions of the United States, extending to the eastern and southern parts of Mexico. Its thriving presence in such diverse locations speaks to its adaptability and resilience under different environmental conditions.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of variegated spurge is its attractive leaves, which are edged in white, creating a striking contrast against the green centers. This variegation makes the plant an excellent choice for adding visual interest and texture to gardens and landscapes. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Euphorbia marginata is also appreciated for its relatively low maintenance needs, making it suitable for both amateur and experienced gardeners.
In terms of growth habit, variegated spurge typically presents as an annual or short-lived perennial. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil to flourish, showcasing its best colors and growth form under these conditions. Moreover, the plant is drought-tolerant once established, underlining its suitability for gardens in arid or semi-arid climates.
Given its wide geographic distribution and ease of cultivation, Euphorbia marginata has become a popular choice in ornamental horticulture. In addition to its visual appeal, the plant also contributes to ecological diversity, providing nectar for various pollinators within its native and cultivated ranges.
In summary, variegated spurge is a versatile and visually compelling plant. Whether employed in garden borders, beds, or as part of a mixed planting scheme, Euphorbia marginata brings a touch of elegance and robustness to any setting it inhabits.
Common Names
Ita: euforbia
Fra: euphorbe, euphorbe marginée, euphorbe panachée
Eng: ghostweed, smoke-on-the-prairie, snow on the mountain, snow-on-the-mountain, variegated spurge, white-margin spurge, whitemargined spurge, white-margined spurge
Deu: schnee auf dem berge, weitrand-wolfsmilch, weißrand-wolfsmilch, weißrandige wolfsmilch
Swe: broktörel
Por: eufórbia-marginada
Ces: pryšec vroubený
Hun: tarka kutyatej, „jégvirág
En: Variegated spurge, Ghostweed, Snow-on-the-mountain, White-margin spurge, Snow on the mountain, Spurge, Snow on the mountain spurge, Smoke-on-the-prairie, Whitemargined spurge, White-margined spurge, Mountain Snow
Zh: 银边翠
Cs: Pryšec vroubený
Fi: Lumityräkki
Fr: Euphorbe, Euphorbe marginée, Euphorbe panachée
De: Weißrand-Wolfsmilch, Schnee auf dem Berge, Weitrand-Wolfsmilch, Weißrandige Wolfsmilch
Hu: Tarka kutyatej, „jégvirág
It: Euforbia
Ko: 설악초
Fa: فرفیون ابلق
Pl: Wilczomlecz obrzeżony
Pt: Eufórbia-marginada
Pt-br: Coral, Folha-de-sangue, Leiteira
Sk: Mliečnikovka obrúbená
Sv: Broktörel
Zh-tw: 銀邊翠
Zh-hant: 銀邊翠
Tr: Saat çiçeği
Synonyms
- Tithymalus marginatus ((Pursh) Cockerell)
- Tithymalus marginatus f. inornata (Daniels)
- Tithymalus marginatus var. tetramerus (Cockerell)
- Dichrophyllum marginatum ((Pursh) Klotzsch & Garcke)
- Lepadena leucoloma ((Raf.) Raf.)
- Euphorbia bonplandii (Sweet)
- Euphorbia leucoloma (Raf.)
- Agaloma marginata ((Pursh) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Euphorbia marginata var. uloleuca (Engelm. & A.Gray)
- Euphorbia torrida (DC.)
- Euphorbia bejariensis (DC.)
- Dichrophyllum variegatum ((Sims) Klotzsch & Garcke)
- Tithymalus variegatus ((Sims) Haw.)
- Lepadena marginata ((Pursh) Nieuwl.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Altay (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Central European Rus (introduced)
- China North-Central (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- East European Russia (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Inner Mongolia (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Manitoba (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- North Caucasus (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Saskatchewan (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- South European Russi (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Francesco Tacconi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 21, 2018 by Georgi Delchev (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Milos Bajic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2019 by Paul Oostvogel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Paula de Benito (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2017 by Luis Miguel García (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2017 by Thomas Ailhaud (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2019 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Françoise Legrand (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2021 by L Toledo (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2015 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Gal A (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by mohammad fazel dehkordi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2019 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Manu___ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2020 by Álvaro Pardo (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)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:101724-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3064943)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia marginata Pursh)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb