Variegated Spurge
Euphorbia marginata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Euphorbia marginata is a drought-tolerant native forb found across the Great Plains and southwestern United States. This variegated spurge blooms from July through September with small white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CO, IA, KS and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Variegated spurge is an annual wildflower with distinctive white-edged green leaves that create attractive foliage displays throughout the growing season. The plant produces small white flowers from summer into fall and maintains a neat, compact growth habit. This drought-tolerant native readily self-seeds and can naturalize in sunny, well-drained areas.
Growing Variegated Spurge
Grow Variegated Spurge in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Variegated 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.
- Can spread aggressively through self-seeding
- May appear weedy or wild to traditional landscaping preferences
- Annual nature means gaps in coverage during establishment
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles during the summer and fall blooming period. As an annual that readily self-seeds, it provides consistent habitat and nectar sources year after year.
Common questions
- Where is Euphorbia marginata native to?
- Variegated Spurge is native to 14 states across the central and western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
- When does Variegated Spurge bloom?
- Euphorbia marginata typically blooms from July through September, producing small white flowers surrounded by distinctive white-margined bracts.
- What pollinators visit Euphorbia marginata?
- Variegated Spurge attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles that visit its small clustered flowers during the summer blooming period.
- How much water does Variegated Spurge need?
- This native plant is drought-tolerant and thrives with low water requirements once established, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens in its native range.
- Is Variegated Spurge HOA-friendly?
- Variegated 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Variegated Spurge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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