James H. Schutte
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
EUPHORBIA coerulescens
Plant Common Name
Blue Euphorbia, Soet Noors
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
What makes this plant different from the many other large branching Euphorbia species is the thickness of the branches, which are also more rounded. It is a native of South Africa where it is known as the blue euphorbia, they can be found on rocky slopes with extreme drainage and full sun. This plant is also unique in that it spreads by rhizomes into large colonies of tightly packed vertical branches. They rise upwards from the soil, occasionally branching, but usually just at the tip. Paired thorns line the extruded margins of each vertical segment. But this plant also is divided in to horizontal segments.
This euphorbia blooms in late spring to summer, producing abundant, densely packed buds at the branch tips. Its flowers, known as cyathia, are produced between spine pairs, with small green fruit that follow. Because this plant is largely found on rocky hillsides, it is ideal for rock gardens and slopes where runoff is assured. While it may grow in full sun in the wild, these plants should be protected from direct afternoon exposure in the west, particularly in low desert conditions. This is among the few euphorbias that lack the caustic latex sap and therefore has been fed to livestock during periods of prolonged drought.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Green, Sienna
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
