Gopher Spurge - Euphorbia rigida - Oh The Places You'll Grow

Gopher Spurge or Euphorbia rigida is originally from the Mediterranean although this tough plant takes root in a wide variety of climates (sunset zones 4-24). Because of its blueish silver leaves, it is also referred to as Silver Spurge. This is a heat-loving plant and while it does need some water, it is ideal for a drought tolerant landscape. It ‘flowers’ in early spring or late summer. Once it reseeds, the stems will die back and should be removed (yearly). Gopher Spurge is especially beautiful in rock gardens!

Euphorbia’s are a diverse genus. Well known members are Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and Sticks on Fire (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’). On the surface, it seems that these two plants would not belong to the same family. What appears to be a flower (indeed I may have referred to it that way for simplicity’s sake) is a cyathium. This is unique to Euphorbias. They have large bracts that provide color around the actual very tiny flowers in the middle of them. Many are succulents and often do well in a drought tolerant landscape. The common element that is common among Euphorbia’s is what happens when you break a stem. Euphorbias release a white, sap that looks a bit like glue. This is toxic to pets and people and can be an irritant. However, if you wear gloves while trimming the plant and then wash your hands once you are done gardening, you should be fine. Know to be careful, take precautions, and not to touch your eyes when working with these plants.

So the name Gopher Spurge, also sometimes called Gopher Purge, implies that it will help remove gophers. It was brought over to repel moles, gophers, and other rodents in gardens. I have heard mixed things about this. I would double that one plant would do the trick, but it is a good strategy to plant many along with a mix of other plants that gophers have been known to avoid. These are Rosemary, Lavender, California Lilas (ceanothus) and various types of Lilies. If the movie Caddy Shack taught us nothing else, it is the fact that eliminating gophers is nearly impossible. Keeping their numbers down in areas where they are invasive is an on-going battle. Another good resource if you have an infestation is UC Davis’ Integrated Pest Management website for great information on gopher control www.ipm.ucdavis.