Euphorbia corollata, commonly known as flowering spurge, is a native North American perennial that brings dynamic visual interest and ecological value to the garden throughout the growing season. This unassuming member of the spurge family showcases an unexpected floral display during the height of summer. Emerging in spring as a low-growing cluster of blue-green, lance-shaped leaves, Euphorbia corollata develops into an upright, branching plant reaching 2-3 feet in height. In midsummer, the plant undergoes a remarkable transformation, bursting forth with an abundance of small, white, five-petaled "flowers" that are actually specialized leaf-like bracts surrounding the true, inconspicuous flowers. This showy floral display attracts a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, providing a valuable nectar source when many other plants have finished blooming. The long-lasting flowers eventually give way to small, warty seed capsules that split open to reveal the plant's intriguing, milky sap. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Euphorbia corollata offers ecological benefits as a host plant for the caterpillars of several butterfly species, including the black swallowtail. Its drought tolerance and ability to spread and naturalize also make it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalistic landscape designs. While the plant's milky sap can be an irritant to some, Euphorbia corollata's low-maintenance nature, versatile growth habit, and season-long visual interest position it as a reliable, native perennial for a variety of landscape applications. Whether planted en masse or incorporated into mixed borders, this dynamic spurge brings an unexpected pop of summer color and essential ecological support to the garden.
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Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Filler, Full Sun, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant
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