General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9a -6.7 °C (20 °F) to -3.9 °C (25 °F)
Plant Height: 1-2 feet or more
Plant Spread: 4-6 feet or more (to 30 feet in habitat)
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Other: In the genus Euphorbia, the flowers are reduced in size and aggregated into a cluster of flowers called a cyathium (plural cyathia). This feature is present in every species of the genus Euphorbia but nowhere else in the plant kingdom.
Flower Color: Yellow
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Late winter or early spring
Suitable Locations: Xeriscapic
Uses: Provides winter interest
Will Naturalize
Dynamic Accumulator: B (Boron)
Resistances: Drought tolerant
Toxicity: Other: All members of the genus Euphorbia produce a milky sap called latex that is toxic and can range from a mild irritant to very poisonous.
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil
With thorns/spines/prickles/teeth

Image
Common names
  • Moroccan Mound
  • Resin Spurge
  • Euphorbia

Photo Gallery
Location: Baja California
Date: 2019-11-29
Location: Encinitas
Date: 2018-07-15
Location: Riverton, Utah, United States
Date: 2020-07-24

Date: 2022-09-06
Location: Botanicactus - Mallorca - Spain
Date: 2017-03-07
Location: Arcadia
Date: 2014-06-06
Location: Los Angeles Arboretum, Arcadia, California
Date: 2014-04-05
Location: Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix Arizona
Date: 2016-01-03
Location: Botanicactus - Mallorca - Spain
Date: 2017-03-07
Location: Botanical Garden Meise (Belgium)
Date: 2017-03-07
Although in the sunniest position: compare with southern plants t
Location: Atlanta BG
Date: Aug 16
Location: Los Angeles Arboretum, Arcadia, California
Date: 2014-04-05
Photo by skopjecollection
Location: Botanic Garden La Concepcion Malaga
Date: 2017-03-07
Location: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Date: July
credit: Magnus Manske
This plant is tagged in:
Image

Comments:
  • Posted by Baja_Costero (Baja California - Zone 11b) on Nov 24, 2016 9:12 PM concerning plant:
    Mound-forming succulent Euphorbia from the Atlas mountains of Morocco with spiny four-sided stems and yellow cyathia. Plants can reach impressive dimensions with advanced age. Dominant in the landscape where it is found in habitat. Its distinctive form sets this plant aside from most Euphorbias, but it is very similar to the less common E. makallensis from Ethiopia.

    Sap from this plant is particularly dangerous but has reported medicinal uses (including, traditionally, acne treatments, dental treatments, or lice treatments). Resiniferatoxin (RTX), a natural component, acts as an ultrapotent analog of capsaicin, the active ingredient in chile peppers. This plant (among others) was the source of the ancient medicinal product called Euphorbium. Powdered Euphorbium apparently induced violent sneezing.

    Given good drainage, this plant is very easy in cultivation, especially in the landscape. It tolerates extreme heat and freezing temperatures (zone 9a) and extended drought. Provide plenty of space for the inevitable sideways expansion.

    Molecular studies have shown this species to be related to toxic West African shrubby caudiciform Euphorbias like E. venenifica.
  • Posted by sheryl (Hot, hot, hot, Feenix, AZ - Zone 9b) on Apr 18, 2013 4:33 PM concerning plant:
    This is a very attractive succulent, often commonly referred to as Moroccan mound. As you might have guessed, Euphorbia resinifera is endemic to Morocco, although it has been used in western American gardens (primarily California) for decades (earliest writing, 1930).

    Nicely spreading succulent, excellent in rock gardens and pots. Very low water use. Full sun in all but the hot deserts where afternoon shade is appreciated.

« Add a new plant to the database

» Search the Euphorbias Database: by characteristics or by cultivar name

« See the general plant entry for Euphorbias (Euphorbia)

« The Euphorbias Database Front Page

« The Plants Database Front Page

Today's site banner is by Zoia and is called "Snow White, Deep Green"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.