How much sun does Horned Spurge need?

Horned Spurge grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Horned Spurge bloom?

Horned Spurge blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Horned Spurge native?

Horned Spurge (Euphorbia brachycera) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Horned Spurge attract?

Horned Spurge draws bees and beetles.

Is Horned Spurge HOA-friendly?

Horned Spurge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Horned Spurge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Euphorbia brachycera

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Horned Spurge (Euphorbia brachycera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Euphorbia brachycera is a compact native perennial that forms neat, low mounds of succulent-like foliage. This drought-tolerant plant produces small yellowish flowers from May through July and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Horned Spurge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Euphorbia species often considered weeds by HOAs
Milky sap may be viewed as safety concern
Uncommon plant that appears unfamiliar to most residents

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. It provides habitat value for local pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Horned Spurge need?: Horned Spurge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Horned Spurge bloom?: Horned Spurge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Horned Spurge native?: Horned Spurge (Euphorbia brachycera) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Horned Spurge attract?: Horned Spurge draws bees and beetles.
Is Horned Spurge HOA-friendly?: Horned Spurge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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