Plant of the Month – November
0Moroccan Mound
Euphorbia resinifera
- Plant Form: Succulent
- Water Use: Very low
- Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall x 3-5 ft. wide
- Exposure: Full sun, part sun
- Bloom Time: Winter (Feb), Spring (Mar-May)
- Native to: Morocco, Canary Islands
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 20°F
This unique succulent is as easy to maintain as they come. It resists deer, rabbits, pests, and diseases, and needs little to no irrigation most of the year. Moroccan Mound adds carefree interest in any sunny location with well-draining soil, in the ground or in pots.
Moroccan Mound’s defense adaptations against herbivores are what adds to this plant’s striking appearance. Its four-sided stems are covered in dense clusters of spines that vary in color from black to reddish-brown to yellow. Although it looks like a cactus, this slow-growing succulent is in the spurge family, and forms a low-growing, compact mound of thick, cylindrical stems that is well-suited to desert conditions. Its other name, Resin Spurge, refers to the white, milky sap known as latex that is exuded from the stems if they are cut or damaged, which can be irritating to the eyes and skin, and is poisonous if ingested. Small yellow blooms appear along its stem margins in spring. This intriguing plant thrives in well-draining soil in full-sun exposure, and needs little or no additional water most of the year. Once established, it is self-sufficient. This effortless plant is resistant to pests and diseases, and is deer and rabbit resistant. Moroccan Mound is used in borders, flower beds, dry shade, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, by patios and pools, and in containers.
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