Sun Spurge
Euphorbia helioscopia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia) 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"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Sun Spurge
Sun 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaWolf's-milk is a small annual forb with distinctive yellowish-green flower clusters and milky sap. It grows in a compact, upright form and blooms for an exceptionally long season from spring through late fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sun 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.
- Commonly considered a weed
- Milky sap can be toxic and irritating
- May self-seed aggressively
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and beetles throughout most of the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sun Spurge need?
- Sun Spurge grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sun Spurge bloom?
- Sun Spurge blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- What pollinators does Sun Spurge attract?
- Sun Spurge draws bees and beetles.
- Is Sun Spurge HOA-friendly?
- Sun Spurge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sun Spurge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.