Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
Baja spurge
Family Name:
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name:
Euphorbia xanti
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Euphorbia xanti is a large deciduous succulent shrub with thin stems bearing small ovate-lanceolate leaves (1,3,4) originating from Baja California (1,3,4). It produces fragrant pink and white flowers that are bract-like structures called cyathia in terminal clusters (1,3,5). Flowering is dependent on weather and water; it can be ever-blooming in the right conditions. (1,3, 5) This plant has a poisonous sap that can cause skin and eye irritation; in severe cases it can lead to blindness and hair loss, usually in animals. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). It spreads by underground rhizomes and is self-seeding. (1, 5)
Compound:
Eup xan
Geographic Origin:
Baja California
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Baja Spurge is native to Baja California among sea bluffs, dunes, rocky washes and slopes with many adaptations to sun, heat, aridity, and drought (1,3,6). This plant may have started at the Baja California peninsula, but has slowly migrated to the Sonoran mainland (6). May also be known as white spurge . (1, 3).
Cultivation Notes:
Propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and self-producing rhizomes or suckers (1,3,5). Plant in rocky, well-drained soil with full sun (1,2,3). Shade will lead to floppier stems and reduced blooms. (1,3). This plant does not have any major pests due to the toxic sap (3,5). Suckering can be a problem, but this can be reduced by limiting irrigation around the base of the plant (3).
Ethnobotany:
This plant is not frequently used by humans other than landscaping due to the toxic sap. When handling this plant, use gloves and eye protection. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Pink
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Low water Use
