Euphorbia xanti

Euphorbia xanti

Baja Spruce, White Spurge

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia xanti is native to sea bluffs, dunes, rocky washes and slopes in central to southern Baja California

3-8'

2-3', but spreading by rhizomes to form larger stands

25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C

Very high heat tolerance

Full sun to light dappled shade

Very drought tolerant but can take irrigation

Carefully prune plants/stands as needed

A nice pretty background plant for xeriscape, cactus and succulent gardens. It spreads by underground stems so give it space. It can be kept smaller in a container. Also a good plant for dry slopes.

Can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.

Can become invasive, use care when trimming back as white sap can irritate the skin and eyes, etc.

This is an interesting fast-growing succulent with an openly branched structure and a few small leaves which drop in hot dry temperatures. It has a woody base that gives rise to pencil-thin gray-green stems. From winter through late spring It is covered in small branched fragrant white to cerise flowers heads which resemble baby's breath or yarrow. They are actually grouped cyathia, the bract like flower structures common to the Euphorbia genus. Like several other Baja natives, it tends to grow whenever sufficient water is available and remains dormant when it is not. Wear googles and skin protection when pruning as white sap is irritating to some people. Although it is frost sensitive it recovers quickly if roots are not killed.