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Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge)

Hercules Club, Canary, Canary Island Spurge, Tithymalus canariensis, Torfosidis canariensis

Euphorbia canariensis, Hercules Club, Canary, Canary Island Spurge, Tithymalus canariensis, Torfosidis canariensis

One of the most striking and picturesque plants, Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge) is a small succulent shrub adorned with up to 150 vertical branches as thick as a man’s arm. Branching from the base, the deep green to reddish stems are usually 4 sided (sometimes 5 or 6)  with regular pairs of dark shining spines along the four corners of the stems. Small reddish-green flowers emerge from near the spine axils in mid to late spring. A moderately fast grower, Canary Island Spurge will quickly become a large landscape beauty in 3-5 years. Give it plenty of room to grow.

  • Typically grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm) in cultivation. May reach 10-12 ft in height and width (300-360 cm) in its natural habitat.
  • This remarkable plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, is deer or rabbit resistant and is easy to care for.
  • Performs best in full sun or light shade in well-drained soils. Irrigate occasionally to infrequently.
  • Perfect addition to beds and borders, Mediterranean Gardens.
  • Native to the Canary Islands.
  • All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The milky sap may cause irritation to skin and eyes. Be very careful when handling this plant as the stems break easily and the milky sap can burn the skin. Use gloves and protective googles.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Common names Canary, Spurge
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Euphorbia obesa (Baseball Plant)
Euphorbia resinifera (Resin Spurge)
Euphorbia mammillaris (Corncob Cactus)
Euphorbia xanti (Baja Spurge)
Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Sicily Spurge)
Euphorbia corollata (Flowering Spurge)

Recommended Companion Plants

Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm)
Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)
Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears)
Cephalocereus senilis (Old Man Cactus)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Brilliant and Low-Care Mediterranean Border
Native Plant Alternatives to Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Common names Canary, Spurge
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Guides with
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Not sure which Euphorbia (Spurge) to pick?
Compare Now

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