Euphorbias are well known for their variability in appearance and their carefree characteristics. These drought and sun tolerant shrubs and perennials often look and act more like succulents or cacti, and they’re highly resistant to browsing by even the hungriest of critters. Gopher plant, also known as silver spurge, is no exception.
This evergreen shrub lends a cool, silvery-grey color to the landscape with pointy leaves that cling tightly to upright, non-branching stems. In late winter and spring, each stem is topped with a cluster of yellow blooms that fade to tan and reddish brown. Once the flowers at the end of a stem fade and set seed, that stem will begin to die back, so it’s generally recommended to remove the entire stem when the flowers are done; new stems will grow from the base of the plant to replace them. Be sure to wear gloves when pruning, as the sap can irritate your skin.
Height: 1 – 2 feet
Width: 2 – 3 feet
Bloom color: Yellow/Green
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer
USDA minimum zone: 7
Cold hardiness: 10° F
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