Cushion spurge

Euphorbia epithymoides L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

flowers, fruits, leaves, sap, stems

Preparation

None known to make it safe. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling; wash skin after contact. If sap gets in the eyes or any part is eaten, call your poison center.

Hazard type

NC State: milky white latex sap in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. Toxic principle: diterpene esters in milky latex., NC State: sap in the eyes can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea., NC State: if eaten, blistering can occur on the lips and oral mucosa; all parts are toxic if ingested.

Hazard route

skin, eyes, ingestion (milky sap)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

One Tier A source (NC State Extension) flags this species for cats and dogs, naming milky latex with diterpene esters. The sap irritates skin and can injure eyes. Keep pets away and call a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line if a pet chews it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a to 8b (NC State Extension). Zones 9 and 10 are not listed.
Water needs: low (drought tolerant; well-drained soil)
Mature size: 1 to 1.5 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide (NC State).
Where it comes from: Central and southeastern Europe to northwest Turkey (NC State). NC State lists it as introduced in the United States in New York and Vermont.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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