Snow Flake (Euphorbia leucocephala) in the Euphorbias Database

This small tree/shrub is a relative of the familiar Christmas poinsettia. It sets flowers when days get shorter in late fall. It can be pruned by 1/3 after flowering is over, in spring, but it dislikes being sheared. Best to prune selectively over a period of time, as it bleeds sap profusely.
It is an evergreen, but it might lose most of its leaves by spring if kept too dry over winter.
It should not be pruned after late August because it will be getting ready to start setting flowers then. It is very fragrant and holds its blooms for several months. Care should be taken to give it some supplemental water during flowering as it can lose flowers if kept too dry. Otherwise, it's quite drought tolerant.
The branches are brittle, so it should not be planted where it is exposed to high wind.
It is widespread in Mexico and Jamaica.

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