Euphorbia amygdaloides Purpurea

Purple-leaved Woodspurge

Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ — commonly called Wood Spurge — is a low-growing, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial valued for its rich, dark foliage and early spring blooms. It forms a spreading clump of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that emerge deep purple to burgundy, often maturing to dark green with purple tones. In early to mid-spring, it produces clusters of bright chartreuse-green bracts that create striking contrast against the dark foliage, providing early-season color.

Mature Size:
Width: 18–24 in
Height: 12–18 in

USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best color in part sun)
Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerant of poor or dry soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Generally not favored by deer or rabbits

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, spreading, evergreen perennial with a mounding habit
Dark purple foliage provides year-round interest
Bright chartreuse spring bracts offer strong contrast
Excellent for groundcover, woodland edges, borders, and mass plantings
Performs well in dry shade and difficult sites

Maintenance:
Cut back spent flower stems after blooming to maintain shape
Wear gloves when handling; milky sap can be irritating
Remove unwanted seedlings if self-seeding occurs

Plant type

Perennial

Height

12-18"

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Vanilla

Leaf color

Dark Green, Purple

Fall color

Purple

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Foundation, Ground Cover, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes