Euphorbia terracina

Euphorbia terracina_carnation spurge_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: carnation spurge; Geraldton carnationweed

Euphorbia terracina (carnation spurge) is a perennial or biennial species(family Euphorbiaceae) found on California’s south coast. Carnation spurge forms dense patches in disturbed grasslands, coastal bluffs, dunes, salt marshes, riparian areas and oak woodlands. Although carnation spurge was recently introduced to California and is not yet widely distributed, it has the potential to spread rapidly. Like many other members of the spurge family, it produces toxic sap, and has allelopathic properties that reduce germination of native plants.

Cal-IPC Rating: Limited?

CDFA Rating: -*?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Species ID Card

Invasive Species ID Card - To support field identification of early detection species, Cal-IPC has designed a set of Species ID cards that can be downloaded, printed double-sided, and trimmed to size.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Euphorbia terracina Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Euphorbia-terracina_growth-habit_RonVanderhoff
    Euphorbia terracina (carnation spurge) growth habit. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Euphorbia terracina_leaves and inflorescence_RonVanderhoff
    Euphorbia terracina (carnation spurge) leaves and inflorescence. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Euphorbia terracina_male and female flower_RonVanderhoff
    Euphorbia terracina (carnation spurge) male and female flowers. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff