Description

California copperleaf is a plant like no other in California. It is a member of the highly diverse spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, and the only member of the genus in California. This attractive shrub grows in chaparral settings in the lower peninsular ranges from Los Angeles County into Baja, where both the plant and members of the genus become widespread. California copperleaf grows as a tidy, rounded shrub with dark green leaves with a copper-red margin. The male and female flowers are quite distinct from one another and add magenta and red accents through most of the growing season. Also unusual, California copperleaf grows to a very manageable size of about three feet by four feet. Provide a sunny site and well-draining soil for best results.