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Blue Spurge

Euphorbia myrsinites

Last reviewed: September 2026

Blue Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Blue Spurge is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–12" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Blue Spurge

Blue Spurge is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Blue spurge is a low-growing succulent groundcover with blue-green foliage and chartreuse spring flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat, spreading mats that stay attractive year-round. It thrives in poor soils and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Spurge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Milky sap can be irritating to skin

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beneficial beetles for pollination. The low-growing habit provides shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Blue Spurge need?
Blue Spurge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Blue Spurge bloom?
Blue Spurge blooms in April, May, and June.
Is Blue Spurge toxic to dogs?
Yes. Blue Spurge is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Blue Spurge toxic to cats?
Yes. Blue Spurge is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Blue Spurge attract?
Blue Spurge draws bees and beetles.
Is Blue Spurge HOA-friendly?
Blue Spurge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Blue Spurge and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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