Royal spurge

Royal spurge is an upright succulent shrub or small tree with a stout trunk and whorls of ribbed, prickly branches. Its seasonal leaves cluster near branch tips, while small greenish yellow flowers appear in spring and summer. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euphorbia-royleana/common-name/sullu-spurge/) describes mature plants at 6–12 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide. ## Garden Use The columnar, cactus-like outline makes this species a strong accent or a living barrier in warm, frost-free landscapes. It is native to dry, rocky slopes from Pakistan across the Himalaya to China and Taiwan, but it does not tolerate long periods of drought. Grow it in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; water when the soil has dried several inches down, then let excess water drain away. A large patio container is another option where winter temperatures fall below its stated USDA zones 9b–11b. ## Maintenance Wear gloves and keep the plant away from children and pets when pruning or repotting. Its milky sap can irritate skin and eyes, and wet soil can cause root rot. Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:348095-1) recognizes the species as a succulent shrub or tree native from Pakistan to China and Taiwan.