PlantFiles: Cushion Spurge
Euphorbia polychroma

The electric yellow of this beautiful plant works in a weird, wonderful way with the electric blue of flax flowers, especially in the evening or cloudy days. Alas, mine was not as long-lived as I had hoped, but it was wonderful enough that I'm trying it again in a different place.

My favorite euphorbia, it is so low maintenance and looks good for the whole growing season. Brilliant yellow "flowers" in spring, neat symmetrical mound shape of dark green foliage all summer and lovely reddish to orange tints in the autumn. I've had it for over 5 years in the same spot. I want dozens more of them lol! I may try to root some stem cuttings after the flowering stage this year.

This is one of my all-time favorite perennials. It blooms with the daffodils, and looks as though it was carefully pruned into a perfect mound. The chartreuse and yellow bracts are so much more interesting than any of the other spring flowers. I have never had re-seeding problems. I have extreme skin allergies, so I'm careful not to get the sap on me. That being said, I have divided it, taken cuttings, and never had any problems. I think negative ratings given to toxic plants stems from negligence of the gardener in knowing what they are planting. If you are going to purchase a plant, always do your research. It only takes seconds to look it up on-line. I'm guessing that habaneros and other hot peppers can cause just as much eye damage, but most gardeners understand the intense irritation risks before they plant, and take responsibility for planting them. This is a very valuable plant for those who know what they are planting and who take basic precautions. It is closely related to the Poinsetta which exhibits the same milky sap (that also should probably not be put in the eye).

In addition to the species there are several impressive cultivars like 'Bonfire' (burgandy foliage) and 'First Blush' (variegated with pink edges) that add additional foliage color through the year. I grow all of them!

I’m a physician who recently had a fairly severe eye injury from the toxic residues of Euphorbia polychroma. I actually discovered the cause of my eye problem about ten days after the injury and only quite by accident while researching a problem with the plant itself. However, after combing the plant and medical literature it was pretty clear that most of the Euphorbias (particularly the milky latex of the succulents) have some ocular toxicity ranging from mere irritation to blindness.

My experience was that under the proper conditions, E. polychroma also can cause a significant eye injury requiring prolonged medical treatment. Those conditions may include high ambient air temperatures and humidity, mechanical abrasion of the leaves and roots and prolonged contact with the plant. The plant residues may remain on the hands despite casual washing. Plant residues in the scalp hair may re-irritate the eyes when the hair is washed and unusual scalp lesions may be present.

I've grown this plant in many climactic conditions, from hot, dry alkalai soil in southwest Idaho to cool, moist acid soil in Southeast Alaska. It has preforemed well in all locations. The vivid yellow is especiall effective in the overcast conditions of coastal Alaska. It glows on gray, gloomy days. As to becoming invasive, that hasn't been a problem with this species.

I love this plant. I love how it is such a perfect mounding plant and the yellow is electric when it blooms. I have it at the front edge of my perinnial garden in my California foothill locale zone 7. It is deer resistant and after bloom, the folage is attractive. It looks great paired with blue forget- me- nots or late red tulips. Everyone that sees it wonders what it is and wants one. I have recently divided it by root cuttings in late winter and it is blooming along with the bigger plant. Wish I had enough to edge my whole garden with it! Mine is callled candy and I got it at the San Francisco Garden show a few years ago from Digging Dog or Cottage garden nursery.

EUPHORBIA POLYCHROMA Cushion Spurge - Short 14" - Plant 12" apart. Zone 3-8 Forms a globe shaped mound with attractive foliage. Related to the poinsettia, its outer bracts turn a colorful chrome yellow in early summer, then red in fall.

General Information:
Deer Resistant, Good for hot dry spots. Drought tolerant. Can spread quickly in overly moist soil.

Plant Care:
No special care needed. Can be cut back by a third after flowering to prevent seeding. Does not like to be transplanted once established. Some people are sensitive to the milky sap, so take care when shearing.

A lovely non-invasive, long lived perennial.
Makes a big yellow mound at the same time as the late Tulips.
The seed may not breed true. No fragrance.
Easily pruned to stay in shape later in the season.
Andy P

Easy to grow. I grow mine in clay soil in part shade, and, it increases in size fairly quick forming a nice mound. Yellow flowers with bracts in the spring...and together they look like their glowing. I hoping to divide mine this year, I will have had it 2 years this summer. EXCELLENT plant. Is not invasive and would highly recommend.