Cypress spurge

Cypress spurge forms low clumps of fine, narrow foliage and small greenish-yellow flowers that age toward orange. Its cypress-like texture can cover ground quickly, so site it only where its spread can be monitored. ## Garden Use The Royal Horticultural Society describes this rhizomatous perennial as about 0.1–0.5 m tall with a potential 1–1.5 m spread. It works visually on a contained dry bank or in a restricted planting area, but its aggressive rhizomes and reseeding make it unsuitable beside native plantings or unmanaged borders. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euphorbia-cyparissias/common-name/cypress-spurge/) reports that it spreads rapidly, may invade disturbed areas, and is listed as invasive in several eastern and midwestern states; check local rules before planting. ## Growing Conditions Full sun and well-drained soil suit the plant, which tolerates dry and poor soils. Its chartreuse flowers appear in spring and early summer, while the soft, needle-like leaves create a fine-textured groundcover effect. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7051/euphorbia-cyparissias/details) lists a spring to early-summer bloom and notes that the plant can become a nuisance if unmanaged. ## Maintenance Watch the planting edge and remove unwanted shoots before they establish beyond the site. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling broken stems because the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes; keep all parts away from children and grazing animals.