Flowering spurge (Euphorbia corollata) is a perennial wildflower native to Wisconsin. It typically grows to a height of about three feet, with slender stems that branch near the top into multiple flowering stalks. These stalks are topped by small, white flowers—each only about 1/8 to 1/3 of an inch wide—arranged in large, loose clusters that seem to float above the plant. The flowers are long-lasting and bloom from early summer into early fall, often for six weeks or more. Though tiny, they are striking in mass, and their petal-like bracts give the illusion of a more substantial bloom.
The leaves of flowering spurge are alternate along the stem, but at the point where the flowering stalks branch off, a whorl of smooth, green leaves encircles the stem. This whorl is one of the plant’s most distinctive features. The foliage is a soft bluish-green, and the plant as a whole has a light, open structure.
This wildflower is well adapted to a variety of dry, well-drained habitats, including rocky prairies, open woodlands, fields, roadsides, and even disturbed or waste areas. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it grows in a range of soil types—from sand to clay to gravel—so long as the drainage is good. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it a valuable addition to native plant gardens and restoration projects.
Its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide array of pollinators, including native bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. Notably, it serves as a nectar source for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Its seeds are eaten by birds such as mourning doves, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, and greater prairie chickens. However, the plant is generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to its toxic white latex sap, which can also cause skin and eye irritation in humans.
Flowering Spurge can be propagated by seed, though the seeds benefit from cold stratification to improve germination. (July)