California spurge is a woody shrub or small tree native to coastal and desert areas of southern California and Baja California. It has many branched stems with small, dull green leaves and produces unusual yellow and green flowers from January to August that attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. California spurge is a drought tolerant, low water plant suitable for coastal gardens, mixed beds, and succulent bonsai. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and little water once established.

1. California Spurge – Euphorbia misera (yoo-FOR-bee-a MIS-er-a)
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Native to: South Coast, s Channel Islands, w Sonoran Desert of CA to Baja; occasional shrub of
sandy coastal bluffs, south facing slopes of coastal scrub and Mojavean desert scrub (rocky).
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/small tree mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Many-branched small shrub or sub-shrub; occasionally larger shrub to small tree. Erect with
succulent stems. Drought-deciduous. Small dull green leaves. Interesting looking.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Jan-Aug (April-May most common in western L.A. Co.). Separate male &
female flowers. Flowers small, unusual shape. What appears to be a single flower is really a single
female and several male flowers. The style (female organ) in the pistillate flower extends outward
and is divided at the tip. The anthers (male organs) are bright yellow. Unique!
Uses in the garden: Handsome specimen plant in a pot or in the ground. Suitable for succulent
bonsai (often naturally dwarfed and shaped by the wind in coastal habitats). Great for dry mixed
beds, with other native shrubs and perennials.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native drought-tolerant shrubs like S. African Euphorbias.
Attracts: Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun near coast; part-shade in hot inland gardens
Soil Well-drained soils; sand is best. Any local pH.
Water Needs little water once established, but good tolerance in sandy soils; Zone 1-2 to
2-3.
Fertilizer None.
Other
Management: Fairly easy to grow. Forms a dense colony, but not invasive.
Propagation: from seed: yes by cuttings: semi-softwood
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20 11/28/10
© Project SOUND