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Baja Spurge

Euphorbia xanti

false

1 gallon

Plant Care

Baja Spurge

Out of stock

3-6'x3-6'

Sizes:

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low- Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Shade

Mature size:

3-6'x3-6'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

pink

Flower season:

Winter - Spring

Pruning:

Remove frost damaged stems. To control growth keep dry around perimeter

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Baja Spurge - Euphorbia xanti
Also known as: Baja Pencil Cholla

This fast-growing, tall, bamboo-like shrub is native to sea bluffs, dunes, rocky washes, and slopes in central to southern Baja California and coastal Sonora. Its slender, green pencil-like stems often lead to it being mistaken for a milkweed. It spreads vigorously through rhizomes and self-seeding, forming large, dense stands in the wild and garden settings.

Baja Spurge produces small, fragrant white to pink flowers that bloom primarily after the winter rains, attracting a variety of pollinators including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The stems are somewhat sensitive to frost, with damage occurring around 20°F, though the roots are more cold-hardy.

While most resources recommend planting Baja Spurge in full sun, I have one growing in almost full shade in my own garden, and it is thriving—showing some adaptability to shadier spots.

This species thrives in well-drained soils and is an excellent choice for naturalistic desert landscapes, coastal gardens, and erosion control.

Wildlife Value
Baja Spurge provides important nectar resources for a range of generalist pollinators including native bees and butterflies. Its flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds, including Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds, which favor native desert plants. The dense thickets formed by its rhizomatous growth offer shelter and cover for small wildlife.

Host Plant: Not known as a specialized host for butterfly or moth larvae.

Nectar Source: Anna’s (C. anna), Costa’s (C. costae); native bees/butterflies (general)

Bird Resources: Shelter and cover for small birds and mammals

Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Bees: Attracts native generalist bees

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.