Euphorbia (Snow-on-the-Mountain)

Snow-on-the-Mountain (Euphorbia marginata) is a North American native annual grown for the white-edged leaves that form at the top of the plant. As summer turns to fall and the days get shorter, the upper leaves take on green and white stripes, which is where the common name comes from. Plants reach about 36 inches tall on strong stems, commonly used in cut flower arrangements.

It is an easy plant to grow. Once established, it handles drought, poor soil, most soil types, and deer tend to leave it alone. It also self-sows, so it can come back on its own from one year to the next. The species is native to states including Missouri, Arkansas, and Montana. William Clark collected it along the Yellowstone River on July 28, 1806, during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

In the garden it works as a filler in bouquets and as an accent in beds or as a low annual hedge. The white bracts contrast with the green foliage and have a long vase life. Zinnias make good companions in cottage or cutting gardens. stems are best cut when the bracts are fully colored but before the flowers fully open.

One handling note: wear gloves, since the milky sap can irritate skin and cause dermatitis.