The Gopher Plant (Euphorbia myrsinites) is an evergreen perennial with distinctive spiraling, fleshy, blue-green leaves on trailing stems. Vibrant chartreuse-yellow bracts appear in late winter to early spring, adding to its popularity and visual contrast.
Why Choose Gopher Plant for Your Landscape
Gopher Plant offers several advantages. Its common name reflects a belief that its milky white sap, or latex, deters gophers and other burrowing rodents. This unpalatable sap is a primary reason many gardeners choose the plant.
Beyond pest deterrence, Gopher Plant is highly drought tolerant. Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it excellent for water-wise gardening and xeriscaping. Its low maintenance appeals to busy gardeners.
Gopher Plant’s architectural form adds visual interest. Its sculptural silhouette, with thick stems and spiraling foliage, provides structure and texture. Striking blue-green leaves offer a cool color contrast, and bright yellow-green blooms provide color in cooler months. This combination suits sustainable designs.
Planting and Care for Success
Successful cultivation of Gopher Plant begins with site selection. It performs optimally in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates some partial shade, too little sun can lead to leggy growth. Ample sunlight ensures dense, vibrant foliage.
Gopher Plant requires well-draining soil, susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. Sandy, loamy, or rocky soil types are ideal, and it tolerates poor soil. Heavy clay soils are unsuitable unless amended for drainage. For containers, a succulent medium is recommended.
When planting, ensure the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. After initial planting, regular watering helps the plant establish its root system during the first summer. Once mature, Gopher Plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Avoid overwatering, a common cause of plant decline.
General maintenance for Gopher Plant is minimal. It does not typically require feeding. After flowering, old, dry stems and blooms can be pruned to maintain a compact, upright growth habit or to prevent self-seeding. This keeps the plant tidy and encourages new growth.
Landscaping Design Ideas with Gopher Plant
Gopher Plant’s distinctive form and texture make it versatile for landscapes. It excels in rock gardens, where its blue-green foliage and sprawling habit complement natural stone. Its ability to thrive in well-drained, rocky conditions makes it a natural fit, creating a cohesive, low-maintenance display.
Gopher Plant is excellent for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens due to minimal water. Its unique silhouette adds structure and interest to low-water environments. It can be used as a border plant, defining edges with its mounding evergreen presence. Its ability to spread allows it to function as a groundcover, particularly on slopes.
Use Gopher Plant as an accent plant. Its striking blue-green leaves and chartreuse blooms create a focal point. It pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants and succulents, forming cohesive, visually appealing plant communities.
Important Considerations and Safe Handling
While Gopher Plant offers benefits, its milky white sap is toxic. This latex can cause skin irritation, eye damage, and digestive upset if ingested. Contact with the sap can lead to redness, swelling, blisters, and a burning sensation. If sap enters the eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent damage.
When handling Gopher Plant, during planting or pruning, wear protective gloves and eye protection. If accidental contact occurs, wash affected skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately if sap gets into the eyes or if any part of the plant is ingested. Keep children and pets away from the plant.
The plant’s potential for self-seeding can lead to aggressive spreading. In some western U.S. regions, Euphorbia myrsinites is considered a noxious weed. To manage its spread, deadhead spent flowers before they produce seeds. Before planting, check local regulations regarding its cultivation. Native alternatives may be considered depending on your region.