Latin name: Euphorbia Marginata
Meaning: Spurge with (white) varigation on leaf margins
Common name: Snow-on-the-Mountain
Plant family: Euphorbiaceae or Spurge
Date/Location of specimen: August 2015 volunteer in my garden
Description: Euphorbia marginata, snow-on-the-mountain, smoke-on-the-prairie, variegated spurge, whitemargined spurge, is a small shrub in the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family. Native in North America.1 Grown as much for its foliage as for its flowers, snow-on-the-mountain’s small but showy leaves may be light green, variegated or entirely white. They clasp erect, many-branched stems which grow 1-3 ft. tall. Tiny flowers, each with whitish, petal-like bracts, are borne in clusters atop the stems.2
Pest/Disease & Gardening Limitations: Milky sap may cause dermatitis. Plant parts (fresh or dried) and extracts made from them can be toxic if ingested to both humans and cattle. Ingestion causes inflammtion or blistering of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Contact with plant can cause irritation of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size.2
References:
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_marginata
2 http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EUMA8
Collection Sample #5 of 5 PLANTS
Master Gardener Class Horticulture Portfolio
