Wolf's-milk
Euphorbia helioscopia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wolf'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
Wolf's-milk 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 Wolf's-milk need?
- Wolf's-milk grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Wolf's-milk bloom?
- Wolf's-milk blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Wolf's-milk native?
- Wolf's-milk (Euphorbia helioscopia) is native to MT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Wolf's-milk attract?
- Wolf's-milk draws bees and beetles.
- Is Wolf's-milk HOA-friendly?
- Wolf's-milk 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 Wolf's-milk? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz