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Roughpod Spurge

Euphorbia spathulata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Roughpod Spurge (Euphorbia spathulata)
Photo: Anthony Valois and the National Park Service / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

Euphorbia spathulata is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps with small, spoon-shaped leaves. It produces clusters of tiny greenish-yellow flowers in early spring and requires minimal water once established. The plant goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before returning in spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Roughpod 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.

  • Very small and can appear weedy
  • Annual nature means gaps when plants die back
  • Inconspicuous flowers may not look intentionally planted

Wildlife value

This euphorbia provides early season nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Its spring blooming period makes it particularly valuable for emerging pollinators.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Roughpod Spurge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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